Glasgow player ratings: Kyle Steyn the standout on disappointing night for Warriors

Adam Kyriacou
Kyle Steyn in Challenge Cup final

Following their 43-19 defeat to Toulon in the Challenge Cup final at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, here’s our player ratings for Glasgow Warriors.

15 Ollie Smith: Battled admirably for just over an hour, but the Glasgow backline in general could not find their stride on Friday. Gave everything in his attempt to halt Baptiste Serin for the game’s opening try while in possession he made 46 metres before he was replaced. 5

14 Sebastian Cancelliere: A frustrating evening for the Argentine as he found the going tough in Dublin. Will kick himself for not keeping his width on 47 minutes when Cheslin Kolbe foiled a rare Glasgow attack. On a positive personal note, he did return via the bench late on and picked up a consolation try. 6

‘Huwipulotu’ did not fire

13 Huw Jones: Struggled to get into the game throughout as the ‘Huwipulotu’ partnership failed to fire a shot all night. Toulon’s defence was masterful at times, but Glasgow fans would have expected much more from one of the world’s best midfield combinations. 5

12 Sione Tuipulotu: See above. Jones finished the game with 10 metres while Tuipulotu had just nine to his name, which sums up the pair’s dismal night in Dublin. He carried strongly at times with a notable sit-down of Mathieu Bastareaud, but in general, the Scotland international had a quiet outing. 5

11 Kyle Steyn: The skipper led by example in difficult circumstances after that nightmare first half for his team. Steyn showed a calmness and leadership that got his side back on the right foot, with his try on 56 minutes giving his troops a glimmer of hope. His second score was even better as he battled his way through several Toulon defenders. 8

10 Domingo Miotti: In for the suspended Tom Jordan, Miotti seemed anonymous in the opening half, which in truth, could be said a good deal of the Warriors players. He was replaced on 45 minutes by Stafford McDowall. 4

9 George Horne: Never gave up the fight despite having little possession and front-foot ball to work with in the first half. Always looked to keep the tempo high, and his shift to wing in the second period showed his versatility, as he popped up in the backfield and provided the assist for Steyn’s second try. 7

Dempsey the best forward

8 Jack Dempsey: Was the pick of the Glasgow side in the first half thanks to his carries and tackles made. Continued that trend in the pack at least in the second period, finishing with 47 metres from his 15 carries. 7

7 Sione Vailanu: Promoted to the starting line-up this week to add to their ball-carrying threat but, like most of his teammates, was barely seen making metres. Was replaced by Rory Darge early in the second stanza. 4

6 Matt Fagerson: Struggled to get his combination right with his hooker at the lineout in the first half, which proved costly at times. Defended stoutly with a team-high 15 tackles but struggled against a formidable Toulon back-row. 5

5 Scott Cummings: A key member in the failing Glasgow lineout that got well and truly outplayed today. Cummings was his usual busy self around the park but was not nearly as effective as he really could have been as the Toulon forwards dominated this fixture. 5

4 Jean-Pierre du Preez: The giant South African lock was outplayed by Charles Ollivon at lineout time as he struggled to run Glasgow’s set-piece effectively. The 28-year-old has great hands for such a big frame and he showed that again today while also coming up with a turnover in a decent defensive shift. The lineout improved when Richie Gray and Lewis Bean were added to the fray, which probably should have happened sooner. 5

3 Zander Fagerson: Scrum penalty rightly went against the Glasgow tighthead prop early on but did recover somewhat in the set-piece thereafter. Struggled to make inroads from his six carries and was replaced as part of a complete front-row swap on 45 minutes. 5

2 Fraser Brown: The lineout was a mess in the first half, and it cost Glasgow dearly in this game. Brown and Glasgow’s evening was a nightmare at the set-piece as Toulon disrupted both the Warriors hookers’ throws. 4

1 Jamie Bhatti: The Scottish international had a tough day at the office against the Georgian powerhouse Beka Gigashvili in the scrums. Defensively he was good enough but struggled to get much gain line and was hooked by Franco Smith shortly after half-time. 4

Replacements: Head coach Smith emptied the bench earlier than usual, and it certainly gave Glasgow an injection of gusto. Ali Price’s introduction seemed to help most as Horne shifted to the wing, but Glasgow were still clearly second best in many departments. 6

READ MORE: Toulon player ratings: Baptiste Serin and Cheslin Kolbe steer French side to a maiden Challenge Cup title