Glasgow Warriors beat Munster 31–22 at Scotstoun

Glasgow Warriors 31–22 Munster, Scotstoun Stadium

Munster slipped to a 31–22 defeat against URC table toppers Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun on a cold and windy night, though the visitors did secure a valuable try-scoring bonus point.

Munster started brightly, dominating early possession through strong carries from Shane Daly, Mike Haley and Brian Gleeson. That pressure did not translate into points, with Gleeson held up and penalised for a double movement close to the line.

Glasgow struck first after six minutes as their set piece came to life. Ollie Smith finished in the corner despite a last-ditch tackle attempt from Diarmuid Kilgallen, and Dan Lancaster converted for a 7–0 lead. The hosts doubled their advantage soon after when Lancaster intercepted a pass and raced the length of the field, converting his own try to make it 14–0.

Munster responded through an interception of their own, Ethan Coughlan showing pace to score in the right corner. Tony Butler was off target with the conversion, leaving it 14–5. Glasgow regained control and crossed for a third try through Olujare Oguntibeju following sustained pressure, Lancaster adding the extras for 21–5.

A yellow card for Thaakir Abrahams late in the half proved costly. Glasgow took advantage of the numerical edge to score their fourth and bonus-point try that came through Josh McKay before the break, converting to lead 28–5 at half-time.

Glasgow threatened to extend their lead early in the second period, but Munster held firm and began to find momentum after Abrahams returned from the sin bin.

Dan Kelly produced a superb individual effort scoring in the 52nd minute, weaving through defenders to score, with debutant Tom Wood missing the conversion.

Brian Gleeson added Munster’s third try in the 62nd minute with a powerful finish, though again the conversion was unsuccessful. Momentum continued to swing when Kilgallen crossed for Munster’s fourth and bonus-point try after a sharp looping pass from Abrahams. Wood converted to reduce the deficit to six points.

Glasgow steadied themselves with a penalty from Lancaster in front of the posts to stretch the lead once more. A late yellow card for Jack O’Donoghue followed, but Munster could not find another score as the hosts saw out the game to secure a 31–22 win and extend their winning run at the top of the table.

Team line up:

Glasgow Warriors: McKay; Rowe, McDowall (c), Yule, Smith; Lancaster, Afshar; Bhatti, Stephen, Walker, Craig, Oguntibeju, Ferrie, Fraser, Miller.

Reserves: Stewart, McBeth, Talakai, Cockburn, Vailanu, Duncan, Oliver, Urwin.

Munster Rugby: Haley; Abrahams, Daly, Kelly, Kilgallen; Butler, Coughlan; Wycherley, Barron (C), Jager, O'Connell, Wycherley, Edogbo, Quinn, Gleeson.

Reserves: Barron, Donnelly, Ryan, Coombes, O'Donoghue, Patterson, Wood, O'Brien.