Glasgow start URC campaign with win over Sharks

Kyle Rowe (left) got the ball rolling for Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun

United Rugby Championship

Glasgow Warriors (14) 35

Tries: Rowe, McDowall, Darge, Dobie, penalty try Con: Horne 4

Sharks (12) 19

Tries: Van der Merwe, Tshituka, Am Con: Hendrikse 2

Glasgow Warriors got their United Rugby Championship campaign up and running with a bonus-point win over the Sharks at Scotstoun.

Tries from Kyle Rowe and Stafford McDowall, sandwiched between scores for the Sharks from Edwill van der Merwe and Vincente Tshituka, gave Warriors a 14-12 lead at the break.

Rory Darge and Jamie Dobie scores, plus a penalty try, secured Glasgow's win despite Lukhanyo Am's response for the visitors.

Next up for Glasgow is a trip to Italy to face Benetton next Saturday.

The Sharks looked threatening early on and began picking holes in the home defence, eventually working an opening for Van der Merwe to go over for the opening try.

Glasgow responded swiftly, Matt Fagerson – a late replacement in the starting line-up for the injured Jack Dempsey - making inroads off a scrum move before the ball was whipped wide for Rowe to score.

Twice in the space of a few minutes Warriors thought they had extended their lead as Johnny Matthews twice crashed over, but the TMO intervened to first highlight an infringement in the rolling maul and then a knock-on over the tryline and both scores were ruled out.

The second try arrived when Euan Ferrie carried hard to take Glasgow within a few metres before McDowall showed his own power to drive over the line.

Sharks looked dangerous on the rare occasions they managed to string some phases together and captain Tshituka blasted over right on half-time to bring his side back within two at the break.

The next score was crucial and the home side got it when another rolling maul sent Darge over the line.

Sharks were not finished yet and a clever cross-field kick from Jaden Hendrikse put Van der Merwe away and he fed inside for Springboks star Am to dive over.

Suddenly things were a little nervy around Scotstoun, but it did not last long as substitute Dobie made a sniping break around the fringes, exchanged passes with George Horne and raced in under the sticks to secure the bonus point.

Sharks illegally then halted a Glasgow rolling maul that was heading for the line, a penalty try was awarded and Warriors' job was done.

'A great way to start the season'

Glasgow flanker and player of the match Rory Darge: "It's great to be back and great to start with a win. We want to start the season well and know every league point counts.

"To get five points tonight is a great way to start the season.

"First half we weren't getting the results we wanted - just little detail not quite on it. It was about sticking to what we knew would work and executing it.

"We've had a few battle with Sharks and tonight was another battle.

"The way Franco goes about giving young guys opportunities, there's competition for places. The whole environment in pre-season and this first game has been great. It's exciting times.

"Attention will turn to Treviso, which hasn't been easy for us in recent years. If we go there and get a win as well we'll be in a really good place."

Line-ups

Glasgow Warriors: Josh McKay, Kyle Rowe, Stafford McDowall (capt), Kerr Yule, Ollie Smith, Dan Lancaster, George Horne; Jamie Bhatti, Jonny Matthews, Fin Richardson, Jare Orguntibeju, Alex Samuel, Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey.

Replacements: Gregor Hiddleston, Rory Sutherland, Sam Talakal, Scott Cummings, Gregor Brown, Euan Ferrie, Jamie Dobie, Adam Hastings.

Sharks: Yaw Penxe, Edwil van der Merwe, Lukhanyo Am, Francois Venter, Christie Grobbelaar, Jaden Henrikse, Ross Braude; Simphiwe Matanzima, Fez Mbatha, Ruan Dreyer, Deon Slabbert, Marvin Orie, Phepsi Buthelezi, Manu Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka.

Replacements: Eduan Swart, Dian Bleuler, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Bathobele Hlekani, Nick Hatton, Jean Smith, Jurenzo Julius, Hakeem Kunene.