KINGS REIGN SUPREME TO DUMP WEARY WARRIORS
Glasgow’s quest to complete the quickfire South African double was demolished in devastating fashion. Warriors had been the hottest of favourites at 25/1 ON to cruise to glory in Port Elizabeth after last weekend’s romp against the Cheetahs. But they produced their worst ever Pro14 display to surrender their 100% record in the most unlikely circumstances. Glasgow had dominated the opening exchanges – only to fall behind to a breakaway try from speed merchant Yaw Penxe, goaled by Masixsole Banda. And even worse was to come in the 10th minute as Banda was back on target to convert a Martin du Toit effort from close in. The Warriors were clearly stunned and they they handed the hosts more opportunities through a string of basic blunders. Incredibly, the Kings bagged a third midway through the half – Rudi van Rooyen finishing clinically. Banda’s strike opened up a 21-point gap. And even the home fans couldn’t believe their eyes when the watched their troops go over yet again almost immediately. However, this time Glasgow were reprieved as the video ref ruled a knock-on in the build-up. Kings then lost Penxe to the sin-bin for a tip-tackle on Dan van der Merwe. And in the wake of the penalty lineout, Nick Grigg battled over, but it was also chalked off by the man in the stand. Banda ended the half with a pinpoint penalty to leave the shell-shocked visitors needing a fightback of mammoth proportions. Predictably, frustrated Warriors boss Dave Rennie made a spate of bench changes. But still they blundered and toiled at every turn – and when Harlon Klaassen cashed in on shocking defence to dash 70 metres for the bonus-point try, the Kings were out of reach. Grigg at long last broke the Glasgow duck on the hourmark, Adam Hastings converting. Hastings repeated the feat as Van der Merwe then went over in the corner to earn a glimmer of hope. But when du Toit danced in under the posts eight minutes from time, the Kings were home and dry. Fraser Brown and Van der Merwe had the last words for Warriors to at least salvage a consolation point.