Warriors rein in speedy Cheetahs
shook off the jitters to grab a precious bonus-point success with a seven-try romp.
It was a victory over the energy-draining altitude of Bloemfontein as well as the speedy Cheetahs.
And now they can prepare for next weekend’s clash against the Southern Kings with confidence. Glasgow had made a dream start as they surged ahead after only 71 seconds.
They put together a series of well-controlled phases before Adam Hastings darted through a half gap – adding the conversion himself.
Warriors were instantly dealt a double shock, however.
First, a turnover allowed William Small-smith to pounce on a chip to the corner for an opportunist score.
Then when they surrendered the ball again inside the hosts’ 22-zone, they burst downfield and snatched another through Malcolm Jaer.
Even worse was to come in the 14th minute as Alex Dunbar was yellow carded for a high challenge. Cheetahs continued to be lethal on the break, and they broke through yet again – but this time they were pulled back for a forward pass.
Warriors refused to panic and, following a spate of pressure penalties, it was scrum half Ali Price who darted over – giving Hastings a simple kick. But the adventurous offloading play of the Cheetahs earned them a third try on the half-hour mark, Nico Lee finishing from close range to give them the interval advantage. There was drama at the start of the second half as Jaer was sinbinned for a bad aerial challenge on Tommy Seymour, who was able to resume after treatment.
And, seconds later, Seymour proved his fitness by cruising over for the third Warriors touchdown – goaled by Hastings.
Five minutes later, Price completed his double at the end of a great pick-and-drive move.
On the down side, prop Zander Fagerson was stretchered off with a serious looking leg injury as Hastings opened up a nine-point gap. Glasgow maintained the momentum and slick passing created the time and space for Dan van der Merwe to crash through for No.5.
Cheetahs refused to buckle and when Jaer went over again they were back in the hunt.
But Warriors were quickly back on the charge and a Hastings penalty added some breathing space.
And a Callum Gibbins effort 15 minutes from time effectively sealed the win.
Hastings preserved his 100% record with the boot. Sub George Horne brought up the half-century, Hastings taking his tally to 17 points.
Grant Gilchrist believes Edinburgh will use their Friday night victory over Connacht at Murrayfield as a springboard to Pro14 success.
In the wake of the 17-10 win, the man of the match declared: “It wasn’t perfect by any means, but it was the result we needed. It was vital we got off the mark on home turf.”
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