Glasgow Warriors player ratings: Substitutes provide ‘absolute cinema’ while giant lock delivers ‘truly superb’ performance
Glasgow Warriors player ratings: Stafford McDowall and Alex Samuel
Glasgow Warriors put in a brilliant performance to beat Leinster 38-17 at Scotstoun Stadium on Saturday, as they extended their lead at the top of the URC table.
Here’s how we rated the Warriors players:
Backs
15 Josh McKay: He beat four players and was the architect of George Horne’s length-of-the-field try. Although he struggled for ball in the second-half, his impact in the first was enough to give his side a sizable advantage. 7
14 Kyle Rowe: The Scotland international started shakily, dropping the ball after a sustained Glasgow attack, and then threw a pass that was intercepted by Rieko Ioane and eventually finished by Joshua Kenny. From then on, though, he was brilliant, beating five defenders, making 54 metres and scoring one of the tries of his career. 8
13 Johnny Ventisei: With all the action happening either out wide or in the tight, the midfielder missed out on most of the involvement. Despite limited interactions, Ventisei accrued himself well, although he was turned over on one occasion. 5
12 Stafford McDowall: A terrific game from the powerful inside centre. He was deliberate in the charge and tackled well, making a chart-topping 16 carries. It was often his attacking prowess that gave the Warriors front-foot possession for the second phase. 8
11 Ollie Smith: He made a great tackle to stop a promising Leinster attack, which made up for a couple of early missed tackles. He did give away a penalty for ‘changing lanes’ during a chargedown, however. Later, he showed excellent strength to power over the line for his try. A mixed performance, but one that leans toward good. 6
10 Dan Lancaster: Extremely quiet. While his opposite number, Sam Prendergast, was clearly being used to direct Leinster’s attack, Lancaster was more of a spectator in the Glasgow system, with the motor coming from nine. He didn’t do anything poorly; he just didn’t really do much at all. 5
9 George Horne: Took his try well in the corner, sniped well and kept the scoreboard ticking over. He was the clear playmaker, making 50 more passes than anyone else in the team, and took his responsibility well. Rating knocked down a point for missing three tackles, however. 7
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Forwards
8 Macenzzie Duncan: Took his try brilliantly and showed huge strength to throw off players throughout, beating three players in the process. He also made a big defensive effort, taking down a team high of 16 players. 8
7 Sione Vailanu: Made a huge number of carries, but failed to add quite as much spice in defence. 6
6 Euan Ferrie: Put his body on the line in a performance that, unlike his flank partner, was dominated by defence. Wherever an attacking Leinster player was, Ferrie was there to send him back. 6
5 Alex Samuel: The absolute star of the show. Every tackle he made was huge. He almost turned RG Synyman’s ribs inside out with one hit. The giant lock showed incredible footwork to break the Leinster gainline and almost set up a wonder try, but was just intercepted by Sam Prendergast. He won eight lineouts throughout the game in a truly superb lock performance. 9
4 Alex Craig: The big man enjoyed many a pick and go in this match, constantly tormenting the Leinster defence. His work, alongside Samuel, ensured that Glasgow remained in control, even when they didn’t have the ball. Immense. 9
3 Finlay Richardson: Solid in the scrum, but admittedly did very little else. Not an issue, however, as the platform was set for others to then play from. 5
2 Gregor Hiddleston: Scored a great try from the lineout and was solid in defence, winning a couple of turnovers. The scrum and lineout were nailed, giving an indication of a very good day for the promising young hooker. 8
1 Patrick Schickerling: Guilty of going in from the side and giving a penalty away early doors, but held solid in the scrum. 5
Replacements: The substitutes stopped Leinster’s comeback just as they were building up a head of speed. Rory Sutherland made the most incredible break, arking his run to avoid the flailing defenders, while Angus Fraser made a brilliant turnover to halt a Leinster attack and win a penalty. Adam Hastings controlled the game with his boot, and Sam Talakai made some huge hits when he arrived on the field. To finish proceedings, Hastings’ yellow card at the end even allowed him to receive a standing ovation as he exited the field. Absolute cinema. Quality. 8