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Jamie Bhatti to develop at Glasgow after Edinburgh cold shoulder
By PA
Glasgow assistant coach Kenny Murray paid tribute to Jamie Bhatti after he marked his 50th appearance for the club by scoring his second try in as many weeks.
The loosehead prop’s early touchdown proved decisive as the Warriors ground out a hard-fought 13-9 win over the Lions at Scotstoun on Saturday.
Remarkably, 28-year-old Bhatti – in his second spell with the club after short stints with Edinburgh and Bath – had not scored a try for Glasgow prior to last weekend’s win over Sharks.
Murray told the Warriors website: “He hadn’t scored a try up until last week, and now he’s got two in two games – he’s doubled up!
“It’s great for him. He’s a very well-liked member of the squad, and to reach 50 appearances is a good milestone for any player to achieve.
“He’s really enjoying being back at Glasgow after he didn’t get a lot of rugby along the M8, and you can see that in his play. I think he’s only going to get better and better.”
Glasgow were 10-3 up on the Lions after 16 minutes and looked set to pull away after making a strong start but the South African side soon gained the initiative and made the hosts, for whom Ross Thompson kicked eight points, work for their victory.
Murray was pleased that his side restricted their visitors to just three penalties, all kicked by EW Viljoen.
He said: “To not concede a try against as physical a side as the Lions is very pleasing.
“They’re a team who have a lot of threats across the park, so the boys can take real heart from that going into next weekend.”
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Latest Comments
Let’s blame a Chief instead ! 😀
Cane didn’t start in Yokohama but 5 Crusader forwards did and got their tails kicked by the John Mitchell coached England forwards. Well done Hansen!
Go to commentsI don’t really share Johnson’s opinion. Nothing better than Tupaea and Lienert-Brown in NZ? It’s a good duo, and he wouldn’t look out of place, but I think we can do better. Tavatavanawai seems superior to Tupaea at 12. He’s a brute force, who makes few mistakes (which can still be criticized in Tupaea), formidable both with and without the ball in close contact. I can see him playing with Proctor. On paper, this combination would be very, very interesting, in the same philosophy as the iconic Nonu/C Smith duo.
Anyway, I remain convinced that in Razor’s mind, Jordie Barrett is indispensable at center, and he could quickly team up with Leicester Fainga’anuku. I’m betting on that in the near future.
However, a Tavatanawai/Proctor duo would be very interesting. Ennor also seems to be a good option instead of Proctor, who still hasn’t played this season. But Ennor has only played one match... he needs to be seen again and get some game time. There is a lot of talent in New Zealand in these two positions. The hardest part will be cutting players who could make a difference for many teams. The choices are going to be tough. If I had to make a bold bet, and unlike Johnson, I don’t see Tupaea being selected, and I imagine ALB could be in a tight spot against Proctor and Ennor if they are fit.
I imagine Jordie, Havili, Rieko, and Fainga'anuku with Tavatavanawai. Ennor or Proctor if Fainga'anuku is not selected in July. And ALB if Jordie is rested
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