1
Glasgow Warriors book finals berth as Zebre upset Connacht
By Rob Lancaster
Glasgow Warriors became the first team to clinch a place in this season's Pro14 finals after they recorded a 37-23 victory over Cheetahs on Friday.
Despite the absence of a number of key players due to injuries and international commitments, the Warriors scored five tries to complete the league double over the South African franchise and, in the process, extend their huge lead at the top of Conference A.
George Horne finished off a flowing move to grab the bonus-point score for the hosts midway through the second half, while Adam Hastings kicked three conversions and two penalties.
At the opposite end of the table, Zebre recorded just their fourth win of a difficult campaign, and snapped Connacht's three-game unbeaten run in the process, with a 19-11 triumph on the road.
The Italians had Maxime Mbanda and Rory Parata sin-binned during the closing stages but held firm with 13 men to stun their hosts.
In Conference B, Duncan Weir's last-minute drop goal secured Edinburgh Rugby a 17-16 victory over Ulster – a result that means the victors leapfrog their opponents in the standings.
John Cooney scored all of Ulster's points, including crossing for their only try, but they were pushed down to fourth place when Weir slotted over the winning kick in added time.
Ospreys had no such problems at home to the winless Southern Kings, however, as two second-half penalty tries helped them ease to a 26-12 victory at the Liberty Stadium.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Leinster player ratings vs Munster | 2024/25 URC
3
Jamal Ford-Robinson: 'In the gym we’re not lifting as frequently'
4
Nemani Nadolo: 'Now I cut grass, do gardens, cut hedges for a living'
5
Latest Comments
Yet Ethan Blackadder was one of our best against the World Champion Springbok. When he came back to the Crusaders later in the season , he made a huge difference, ( a long with others like Codie Taylor), we nearly made the Play Off's. Ethan has plenty of rugby left in him. His family , Dad Todd Blackadder must be very [proud of him. Todd Blackadder was a 3 time champion captain of the Crusaders, '98, '99 and 2000.An icon in this area. Also twice captain of Canterbury , '97 and 2001 when we won the NPC and Ranfurly Shield winning captain in 2000.
Go to commentsIt's the same criticism of Dmac and Mo'unga as well. Sadly the way the game has been heading recently it's the only way to break down a defence, and a player of Lawrences nature would have a very limited chance at doing that because he's too one dimensional.
Noah Lolesio is your sort of player and that worked OK, but only because his team is far more creative than Englands for example. The highly organized Irish attack was also another that didn't require much from the 10, but that is now changing with Prendergast who is in that league mold like the most new age 10's.
So it is in fact your two which would require even more change to make the most of than Marcus Smith.
Go to comments