Warriors refuse to let altitude go to their heads

Glasgow shook off the jitters to grab a precious bonus point with a seven-try romp.

Not only was it a Pro14 victory over speedy South Africans Cheetahs, it was one over the energy-draining altitude of Bloemfontein.

Dave Rennie’s side made a dream start to the first of a double-header in the country, surging ahead in 71 seconds. They put together

David Kelso

a series of well-controlled phases before Adam Hastings darted through a gap then added the conversion.

But Warriors were instantly dealt a double shock, first as a turnover allowed William Small-Smith to pounce on a chip to the corner to score.

Then when they lost the ball again inside Cheetahs’ 22-zone, the home side burst down field to grab another through Malcolm Jaer.

Even worse followed in the 14th minute as Alex Dunbar was yellow-carded for a high challenge. Ali Price darted over, giving Hastings a simple kick, only for the Cheetahs’ adventurous offloading play to set up a Nico Lee try and give them a half-time lead.

Jaer was sinbinned when they returned for an aerial tackle on Tommy Seymour.

Seconds after treatment Seymour cruised over for a third Warriors touchdown before Price completed his double at the end of a pickand-drive move. Prop Zander Fagerson was stretchered off with a serious-looking leg injury as DTH van der Merwe and Jaer traded tries.

But Warriors were back on the charge and a Hastings penalty offered breathing space before Callum Gibbins scored 15 minutes from time.

And Hastings preserved his 100 per cent record with the boot as sub George Horne brought up the halfcentury with try No.7.