Shortly after the ultimate whistle had blown, the get together was in full swing for Glasgow Warriors. The champagne corks popped to a distinctly Scottish soundtrack in Pretoria as The Proclaimers boomed out on the tannoy at Loftus Versfeld.
Glasgow weren’t 500 miles from dwelling, however 8,500. Midway across the different facet of the world, to borrow one other line from the Proclaimers, they have been King of the Street on this season’s United Rugby Championship.
For there could be little doubt that Glasgow have achieved this the laborious approach. Street Warriors who gained away at Munster within the semi-finals earlier than defying the chances to beat the Bulls 21-16 in South Africa within the Grand Closing on Saturday night time.
In doing so, they claimed not solely the best victory of their historical past, however *the* single best victory within the historical past of Scottish membership rugby. Interval.
Trailing 13-0 till the ultimate play of the primary half, Franco Smith’s males have been dominant within the second half, simply as that they had been towards Munster final week.
The Glasgow Warriors crew have a good time their URC title triumph in Pretoria
Head coach Franco Smith is congratulated on the closing whistle
Huw Jones on his option to scoring a attempt within the 21-16 victory over the Bulls
It was a champion efficiency from a champion crew. At nice altitude on the Highveld, they raised the bar not just for themselves, however for all of Scottish rugby.
And that’s the prism by way of which this consequence will probably be considered. Within the larger image, this consequence *has* to be a platform for the nationwide crew.
Requested what affect this might have on Scotland shifting ahead, Glasgow skipper Kyle Steyn stated: ‘I believe it may be enormous.
‘Taking a look at it from a Glasgow perspective, Franco talks about that arduous edge and I believe we now have been trying to find as a gaggle, significantly over the past 12 months.
‘There’s simply one thing about it… you possibly can’t actually get it till you’ve achieved it.
‘I believe the idea that significantly our forwards have proven up entrance to present us that arduous edge over the past weeks will give us numerous perception going ahead.’
That needs to be music to the ears of Gregor Townsend and each Scotland supporter within the land, particularly given a number of the noises popping out of the camp throughout this yr’s Six Nations.
All through the championship, a number of Scotland gamers spoke about and insisted that there was no psychological fragility within the camp, regardless of some ropey outcomes and performances.
On the premise of what Glasgow have proven over these previous few weeks, it could be laborious to argue. Groups who’re mentally weak don’t go to Munster and win.
They don’t make a mad sprint to South Africa at quick discover and are available again from a 13-point deficit, towards an opponent who have been robust favourites, and at altitude ranges which sap the vitality and drain the thoughts.
Kyle Steyn celebrates a rare win over the South African facet
Ecstasy for Glasgow as Steyn and team-mates put together to carry the trophy aloft
Tuipulotu reveals an opponent a clear pair of heels in the course of the closing
Veterans Richie Grey and Duncan Weir pose proudly with the URC trophy
Steyn was certainly one of a number of Scotland gamers within the Glasgow crew. Matt Fagerson was named man of the match, while brother Zander is within the type of his life and would possibly simply be the very best tighthead in Europe proper now.
Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey, Scott Cummings, George Turner, Richie Grey, George Horne, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu; this was a victory for Scotland as a lot because it was Glasgow Warriors.
The tries got here from Cummings, Turner and Jones and, though they needed to survive a nervy finale, Glasgow have been worthy winners ultimately.
Any failure of the nationwide crew shifting ahead will probably be by way of a fault of teaching and preparation, not mentality.
These gamers have confirmed themselves to be winners – and head coach Franco Smith believes that is solely the beginning.
‘It will likely be laborious to beat this sense,’ stated Smith, a former Bulls participant who joined Glasgow two years in the past and has overseen a shocking transformation.
‘To come back right here in entrance of fifty,000 supporters and win the way in which we did, it’s a particular accolade to the lads.
‘We’ve grown leaps and bounds, however once more, this sensation and what we’ve achieved tonight will probably be an vital ingredient going ahead.
‘We had a saying in the course of the season that we don’t must lose to be taught they usually’ve embraced that mentality they usually’re pushing their limits, the parameters of what’s anticipated at this stage.
‘Clearly I’m actually happy with the way in which they went about their enterprise and the way in which they caught to a plan. I actually assume that is only a begin and hopefully we are able to carry on progressing.’
Smith joked afterwards that he and the gamers would take pleasure in a ‘wee dram and a cigar’ to toast their success as URC champions. God is aware of, they’ve earned it.
Glasgow are a membership reworked and reborn below Smith. Not even from two years in the past when he took cost, however even simply from 12 months in the past.
Of their Problem Cup Closing towards Toulon final season, Glasgow suffered stage fright as they have been thumped 43-19.
The distinction on this crew from then until now’s unimaginable. Underneath Smith, Glasgow have matured right into a formidable outfit. They’re a correct crew with a tough edge and a dogged angle.
They don’t have the outright depth or finances in comparison with lots of their rivals within the URC, however they’re the hardest-hitting middleweight within the enterprise below Smith.
Dempsey’s attempt was dominated out, however even that could not forestall a Glasgow triumph for the ages
A crew who can punch properly above its weight, and one which is aware of easy methods to keep in a struggle; they’re the epitome of what an excellent Scottish crew *ought to* be.
Smith has elevated this crew to new heights since he took cost two years in the past and is now a Scotland coach in ready.
It was that Pro12 victory again in 2015 that propelled Gregor Townsend into the body for the Scotland function. Plainly, it needs to be no totally different with Smith.
By the point subsequent season rolls round, Glasgow may even be throwing Adam Hastings into the combination when he arrives from Gloucester.
The addition of a top quality fly-half is simply going to enhance them additional as they appear go defend their title and make an affect within the Champions Cup.
However, for now, they need to take pleasure in this success. In the long run, it was a victory for the ages. A seismic consequence for all of Scottish rugby.
No matter faults the nationwide crew might have, the dearth of a ruthless profitable mentality will not be amongst them. Glasgow have confirmed that past all doubt.
