Glasgow player ratings: ‘Glaring errors’ overshadow Lions hopeful’s excellence as Warriors outplayed by fired-up Bulls
Glasgow Warriors star Tom Jordan and an inset of head coach Franco Smith.
Following Glasgow Warriors’ 19-26 defeat to the Bulls, here’s how we rated the defending United Rugby Championship champions.
Glasgow Warriors player ratings v Bulls
15 Ollie Smith: Some key interventions early on in the match and while he tried to make scathing runs with ball-in-hand, he was shut down. He did clear Glasgow’s lines well on occasion. His brilliant footwork led to McDowall’s late score. 6
14 Sebastian Cancelliere: Sensationally denied a try by Jan-Hendrik Wessels after the Argentine did all the hard work to get into a scoring position. While he tried his utmost to turn his fortunes around, it wasn’t falling his way today with dropped high balls and was shut down by the blue wall in front of him. 4
13 Kyle Steyn: Returned to the position where he shone for the Griquas before joining Glasgow and still put in a sharp and effective shift. Never really has a poor game, just less impactful ones, and today, the Bulls‘ defence just had answers to the questions he asked. 7
12 Stafford McDowall: Relentless as ever, as he tried to spark the Warriors’ attack into life but was met by a resolute Bulls defence. Carried and distributed well and threw the pass leading to Jamie Dobie’s try, but was simply outplayed by his opposing number. 6
11 Kyle Rowe: Some threatening attacking runs, but the Bulls were able to cover him and limit his influence. Got his hands on the ball plenty during his 34-minute shift before being forced off. 6
10 Tom Jordan: A handful of glaring errors will overshadow what was an otherwise excellent showing from the man who is still pressing for a spot in the British and Irish Lions squad. His scoffed line kick let the Bulls off the hook, and his cross-kick was not on, and his chase on David Kriel’s kick-through was not of his usual standard, and Sebastian de Klerk pounced. But he thrived in contact again and impressed with ball-in-hand. 7
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9 George Horne: He controlled the Glasgow attack well with Jordan, particularly in the first half, but his box kicks went wayward as the game went on, which did not help his side’s cause. 5
Pack outmuscled
8 Jack Mann: Relentless carrier during his 40 minutes on the park, gaining over 30 metres. Did concede a pair of turnovers, though, but otherwise solid. 6
7 Rory Darge: At his usual standard in contact as he attempted to punch holes in the Bulls’ defence and drive bodies backwards. Made a stunning break in the last ten to spark a wonderful attack, which was a real standout moment in his performance. Like Steyn, he rarely has a poor game, and today wasn’t one of them. 7
6 Gregor Brown: Added to the Warriors’ injury woes in the opening quarter. He was lively before then. 5
5 Alex Samuel: Got through a load of work on both sides of the ball and attempted to limit the effectiveness of the Bulls’ lineout. 6
4 Max Williamson: Pestered the Bulls’ lineout well and fronted up in defence. Replaced after 61 minutes. 6
3 Patrick Schickerling: Decent around the park but was put under the pump at scrum time by Jan-Hendrik Wessels. Went off the pitch for an HIA but returned before being permanently replaced early in the first half. 3
2 Gregor Hiddleston: Grabbed a pair of turnovers as he really made his presence known in the rucks while racking up a tidy tackle count. Solid in the lineouts but struggled in the scrums. 6
1 Nathan McBeth: Struggled to contain the powerhouse Wilco Louw in the scrums but was tidy around the park. Also replaced early in the second half. 4
Replacements: Euan Ferrie and Johnny Matthews had standout cameos around the park, but ultimately, the replacement props couldn’t turn the tide at scrum time. The bench really started to fire in the final ten but fell just short as the Bulls held out for the win. 4
