GLASGOW HIT THE HEIGHTS
Warriors overcome altitude to extend soaring start to season in South Africa
DAVE RENNIE last night hailed his Warriors for a “lung-bursting” effort that made it six wins from six in the Pro14.
Rob Harley emerged the try hero as Glasgow stunned the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein to snatch a famous triumph.
The flame-haired flanker was in the right place at the right time to latch on to an exquisite Finn Russell lob.
Not only did the late score mean victory on the Warriors’ first trip to South Africa since the league expanded, it sees Rennie’s troops return home with a bonus point.
He said: “We made a poor start but hung in there and won the arm wrestle.
“The guys were shocked at the start at the way the altitude was affecting them but they became tuned to the conditions and began to play some excellent rugby.
“It was a lung-bursting match and we stuck it out really well. To score four tries against the best defensive team in the league was testament to our effort and determination.”
Glasgow made a confident start as a superb tackle from Nick Grigg set up a long-range penalty chance for Russell.
The Scotland playmaker nailed his 17th league strike on the trot although his side were soon driven back at the first scrum before a quickly tapped penalty sparked the Cheetahs’ opening try.
With the Glasgow markers out of position, a slick handling surge was expertly finished off by sevens specialist Sergeal Petersen before Ernst Stapelberg hit the conversion from out wide. The Warriors’ response was positive only for them to spill the ball in the dangerzone twice in quick succession.
More frustration followed as they were turned over just inches from the line before Stapelberg landed a penalty in the next Cheetahs attack.
Mistakes continued to blight Glasgow’s night but they found some rhythm in the 25th minute to set up a fine touchdown. Controlled phase play took them into the final 22 and Callum Gibbins ploughed over to give Russell a simple kick to level.
The Cheetahs once again snatched the lead on the stroke of the interval as a hoof upfield bounced perfectly for speed merchant Rosco Specman to scoop up the ball and outrun Grigg.
Glasgow should have bounced back immediately after the restart but Sam Johnson let the ball slip from his fingertips when he had a clear path to the line.
The thriller hit a fresh high when the Cheetahs looked certain to score only for Ruaridh Jackson to intercept.
He then galloped 70 metres before offloading to Gibbins who notched his double as Russell made it a seven-pointer.
Stapelberg put the home brigade back in front with two more penalties before subs Niko Matawalu and Henry Pyrgos combined in stunning style for the latter to cross.
Russell’s simple conversion sent the Warriors in front with nine minutes left only for Stapelberg’s penalty to restore the Cheetahs’ lead before Harley’s heroics.