Warriors produce clinical display in Cardiff

CARDIFF BLUES 12 GLASGOW WARRIORS 29

Glasgow opened their Heineken Champions Cup account with a 29-12 bonus-point victory over Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park yesterday.

But the real beneficiaries were Pool Three leaders Saracens, who are four points clear of their rivals heading into December home and away fixtures against the Blues.

Glasgow, beaten at home by Saracens last weekend, did not look back after flyhalf Adam Hastings and wing DTH van der Merwe scored tries in the first five minutes.

Hastings also added a conversion and penalty before half-time, and when scrum-half Ali Price rounded off a crisp move early in the second period, the only serious debate was whether or not Glasgow would claim a five-point maximum.

Glasgow got there when lock Jonny Gray added a fourth try 12 minutes from time – again converted by Hastings – and there was no doubting their supremacy over a Blues side that fell way short of repeating last Sunday’s performance when they beat Lyon in France.

Wing Aled Summerhill claimed two consolation tries for the Blues, with Gareth Anscombe adding a conversion, but they were also chasing a game that, in truth, was beyond reach following Glasgow’s early onslaught.

Warriors couldn’t have dreamed of a more spectacular start as they surged ahead after 90 seconds.

Hastings darted over from close range in the wake of a well-controlled handling sequence from inside their own half. Then in the fourth minute when they created another top-notch score.

Huw Jones made the initial break before sending Dan van der Merwe cruising through. Hastings added the simple conversion.

Shellshocked Cardiff hit back with a series of raids and only frantic defending prevented them from repairing some of the damage immediately.

The hosts kept up the momentum, but it was Glasgow who were handed the next opportunity with a 50-metre penalty and Hastings confidently banged it over.

Glasgow’s start to the second half was almost as spectacular as it was to the first.

Van der Merwe hurtled through a midfield gap to create the time and space for Ali Price to scuttle over for the third touchdown, Hastings adding the extras.

With a 22-point cushion, the Warriors turned their attention to claiming the precious bonus point.

But it was Cardiff who got their side of the scoreboard clicking over with a chip-chase try for Aled Summerhill.

Gareth Anscombe’s wide angled conversion drifted wide of the near post, but there was a fresh spring in their step and they began to look a real threat.

Glasgow boss Dave Rennie sent on the the Horne brothers, Pete and George, in a bid to seize back control – and another piece of magic by Hastings sealed Cardiff’s fate.

His clever side-footed grubber kick bounced perfectly for Jonny Gray to finish in style. Hastings found the target to take his points tally to 14 before Cardiff, had the final word with Summerhill notching his double.