Glasgow v Munster: Winners and losers as ‘outstanding’ Warriors and lock with ‘bright future’ lauded on ‘concerning night’ for Clayton McMillan
Olujare Oguntibeju impressed for Glasgow Warriors.
Following Glasgow Warriors’ 31-22 win over Munster at Scotstoun Stadium, here are our key winners and losers from the United Rugby Championship match on Friday night.
Winners
Glasgow back three: It feels somewhat unjust to group this deadly trio together, as in all honesty, they deserve their own section, such was their impact at Scotstoun.
Take a bow, Ollie Smith, Kyle Rowe and Josh McKay, as all three players were outstanding tonight, providing a devastating threat with ball in hand that cut Munster deep.
Smith got the ball rolling with a powerful finish on the left wing before Rowe and McKay came to the party, with McKay’s line easing through a gaping hole on 40 minutes.
Dan Lancaster: Certainly stepped up and starred with a physical and intelligent performance that saw him dominate his opposite number. Glasgow clearly did their homework coming into this URC game as Lancaster raced up to intercept a pre-planned Munster play off a lineout, intercepting and sprinting over on eight minutes for the try.
Thereafter, the 10 was assured with ball in hand, offered a running threat and was defensively rock solid too as he put it about in the tackle. A real coming-of-age showing.
Seb Stephen: 20 years of age, but the academy product looks like he has been on this stage for many a season. Stephen is incredibly mobile, skilful and powerful as he not only impressed in close quarters but also out wide as he stepped up admirably in the absence of stars Johnny Matthews and Gregor Hiddleston. One to watch for sure.
Glasgow depth: A whopping 20 players missing due to injury or international call-ups, but Franco Smith’s under-strength side was right at it on home soil. The cohesion in attack hurt Munster all game, and this result should provide a significant shot in the arm for Glasgow as they look to compete for glory on two fronts this campaign.
Dan Kelly: A rare bright moment for Munster tonight as Kelly hit a sumptuous line in his half before fending wing Smith and showing good speed to get over the line. That helped spark a mini revival from the Irish outfit, helped by Brian Gleeson and Diarmuid Kilgallen also going over, but Kelly’s crossing was the pick of their bunch.
Stafford McDowall: Outstanding. Such a handful as a carrier in terms of size and power, but what really stood out here was his footwork before contact. The Scotland international ended with 17 carries, putting the Warriors on the front foot time and time again, demonstrating impressive leadership too as captain this evening.
Olujare Oguntibeju: Deserved his score after an all-action opening period. Oguntibeju was physical, athletic and comfortable with ball in hand as he kept Munster guessing defensively. Looks so mature despite his 23 years, and the Warriors have certainly developed depth in their pack under Smith. Oguntibeju has a bright future.
Nigel Carolan: Glasgow’s attack coach will be brimming with pride after this performance as the Warriors were a joy to watch with ball in hand throughout. In truth, they could have racked up more than the 31 points they did, and Carolan will be delighted to see his patterns run deep into his squad, as there was no drop off tonight.
Losers
Oli Jager: What a disaster for the tighthead. Jager was making his first start since October last year and unfortunately had his evening cut short on 17 minutes as the ex-Crusaders prop limped from the action. Munster will hope this is not a serious injury, but the dejected look on Jager’s face hints at this being another long stint out.
Tony Butler: Granted, it was a difficult night in terms of the windy conditions, but opposite number Lancaster and Glasgow scrum-half Ben Afshar managed to be largely error-free at Scotstoun. Butler’s mistakes included touch-finders and handling, and he was also intercepted by Lancaster for a try, summing up an under-par outing.
Thaakir Abrahams: Talking of tough nights, Abrahams was not at the races this evening as mistakes included going early on his charge-down attempt of a Lancaster conversion and then, despite being told not to encroach, illegally for the same kick. This was topped off by his yellow card at the end of the half for a deliberate knock-on.
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Gavin Coombes: Two tries off the bench last week, and how Munster needed a similar impact in the second period tonight. However, his evening was cruelly cut short after he copped an accidental elbow to the face and was subsequently forced off the field and he didn’t return. Again, Munster will hope this is not a serious injury.
Munster scrum: Glasgow’s front-row certainly dominated in this facet as they won an early scrum penalty and turned the screw in the set-piece later on. The penalties began to rack up in the closing stages as a problem area for Munster was targeted. This, along with the injuries, will be one of many concerns for Clayton McMillan.
READ MORE: URC round 11: Predictions, teams, kick-off times, how to watch and referee appointments