THAT WAS NO WALK IN THE SHARK
Warriors get win but toothless second half is a pain for Smith
FRANCO SMITH admits Glasgow could’ve bagged a bigger haul as they saw off the Sharks to strengthen their hold on second spot in the Urc.
The Warriors were made to work hard for the points by their under-strength visitors.
And Glasgow failed to score at all in the second half – missing out on the chance to claim what could have been a vital bonus point.
They did all the good work in the first half when George Horne, Max Williamson and kyle Steyn all crossed the whitewash.
And Smith said: “It’s great to have another win at Scotstoun – but I think we left a lot of points out there.
“I said this Sharks team shouldn’t be underestimated and they proved that again tonight. We’ve got a lot of things to rectify after this and we’re looking forward to building into next week.”
This was a special occasion for Warriors, their 700th game since turning professional and also their Plaster it Purple night in aid of the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
A bumper crowd turned up on a sunny night expecting to see their favourites win against an opponent missing most of their Springbok stars.
Warriors were on the attack from the first whistle but the Sharks defence stood firm in the opening phases, keeping the home side at bay.
But the South Africans were giving away too many penalties and paid the price when Glasgow finally took the lead.
Horne took the quick tap penalty and somehow wriggled over for the try before converting it himself.
That got the home fans out of their seats expecting the floodgates to open. But instead it became a scrappy contest with both sides making too many basic mistakes.
Warriors looked to turn the screw with a flowing move that saw Steyn burst through – only for a penalty to hand the initiative back to Sharks.
But it wasn’t long before the home side bagged their second score with a brilliant team effort. Argie winger Facundo Cordero got them going with a weaving run before the ball was worked out to Jack Dempsey.
The Scotland back-rower was held up but swivelled to spot Williamson who then crashed over the line. Horne again added the extras.
But Sharks soon showed they had a bit of bite as they finally got on the scoreboard.
Warriors’ poor discipline landed Scott Cummings in the sin bin and the visitors soon took advantage.
Hooker Dan Jooste was the man to score, peeling off the scrum to power over the line.
That looked to be it for the first half but with the clock in the red Glasgow struck again.
Horne was once more at the heart of things with a quick penalty. And after Sione Tuipulotu was held up, the scrum-half teed up Steyn who forced his way over the line. Horne again converted to make it 21-5 at half-time.
Warriors were soon back to their full complement with Cummings out of the bin. But they couldn’t get into their usual flow, with passes going regularly astray, and they soon paid the price.
Sharks prop Ntutchuko Mchunu lumbered down the line to score in the corner after good work by Aphiwe Oyantyi.
Oli kebble came on for his 100th appearance as Glasgow looked to close out the game – then went off again injured.
Warriors failed to add to their total but had done enough to secure a win – even if they may come to regret not landing the bonus point.