First-half blitz sees Warriors cruise in

DESPITE having virtually nothing to play for after their hopes of a PRO12 play-off place ended last weekend, Glasgow’s second XV cut Zebre to shreds with a thrilling attacking performance.

The Italians, who had been victorious in their previous two league outings, had no answer to Glasgow’s attacking onslaught and conceded the bonus-point by halftime after scores from Nick Grigg, Peter Murchie, Rob Harley and Matt Fagerson.

“I’m happy,” said Warriors head coach, Gregor Townsend. “We got those four tries in the first-half and probably made harder work of it in the second than we would have liked.

“Zebre played a lot of good rugby and they were committed, a big improvement on Zebre teams that have come here in the past.”

Zebre did start the stronger of the sides, putting Glasgow under early heavy pressure before Grigg opened the scoring after ten minutes, squeezing out of a tackle before rolling over the line.

Peter Horne converted and that early try signalled a Glasgow attacking flood as Murchie added try number two seven minutes later before Harley and Fagerson ended the game as a contest. Horne perfect from the tee.

After the break there was no holding back Glasgow’s attacking show. Just before the hour mark Sam Johnson scored number five followed by Matt Smith.

Kayle Van Zyl opened Zebre’s account followed by Kurt Baker, after Smith had scored his second, to give Zebre some consolation.