Glasgow Warriors produced a sensational second-half comeback to stun the Vodacom Bulls and earn the 2023-24 URC title in Pretoria on Saturday night time.
Franco Smith’s courageous Warriors scored 14 unanswered second-half factors to come back from behind and beat the Vodacom Bulls 21-16 in an enthralling last at a sold-out Loftus Versfeld.
The victory marked Glasgow’s second championship, the membership’s first piece of main silverware since 2015.
It was an unimaginable effort from the Scottish aspect, who additionally beat defending champions Munster at a packed Thomond Park in Limerick within the semi-finals.
For the Vodacom Bulls, it was one other last that resulted in disappointment, as Jake White’s staff completed URC runners-up for the second time, having additionally misplaced the inaugural last in 2022.
This time, nevertheless, the defeat could have an additional sting for the Bulls, not solely as a result of it got here in entrance of over 50,000 followers, but in addition as a result of the house aspect was accountable for the sport at half time.
A dominant first-half efficiency noticed the Bulls race right into a 13-0 lead, with Johan Goosen slotting two penalties earlier than Marco van Staden charged over for the opening attempt of the ultimate.
At that stage, the Bulls have been dominating territory, possession and the set-piece battle, however have been let down by their sport administration and determination making in try-scoring positions, which prevented them from including to their lead.
Glasgow clawed again into the competition in direction of the top of the half and gave themselves a lift earlier than heading into the changerooms when lock Scott Cummings reached over from brief vary, lowering the deficit to simply six factors on the break.
The message posted above the tunnel at Loftus Versfeld reminds the visiting staff that altitude issues, but it surely was the Bulls who light badly within the second half, as Glasgow began to win the kicking battle and management territory higher than they’d within the first half.
Whereas Goosen added one other penalty, Glasgow saved ramming the wall and deservedly received a attempt from a large driving maul, with alternative hooker George Turner going over.
From there, the sport belonged to the guests as Huw Jones completed off a beautiful flowing transfer, with the previous DHL Stormers centre receiving an inside cross from South African-raised wing and Glasgow captain Kyle Steyn.
The Bulls did obtain greater than sufficient alternatives to grab the sport on the loss of life, however contributed to the defeat after they conceded a penalty for a harmful cleanout simply outdoors Glasgow’s 22, earlier than Goosen rushed a penalty kick to the touch, which bounced over the useless ball line.
Nonetheless, there was one final alternative for the hosts, as Tom Jordan was yellow carded for a harmful sort out, leaving Glasgow defending the tryline from 5 metres out with 14 males within the final play.
Whereas Akker van der Merwe discovered his jumper, Glasgow produced a powerful counter-shove to cease the Bulls one metre brief, maintain the ball up and in doing so, clinch the URC title.
Picture: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
