Liquid Glasgow display downs Munster at home

Glasgow produced a stunning away display to blow Munster away at Thomond Park on Saturday evening 26-38 (HT 0-28).

The visitors took the lead with the game's first try after five minutes, a good driving maul from the edge of the 22 finished by hooker Fraser Brown at the back of it. The visitors scored their second through skipper Stafford McDowell, finishing strongly through a double tackle to score after good continuity in the build up. Domingo Miotti added the third, a quick change of direction from Ali Price exposing a lack of numbers on the short side and the Argentinian international stretched out to increase the lead. The impressive first half display silenced the home crowd for much of the first 40, as Munster failed to gain any foothold in the game. Even when Munster managed to muster their first cohesive passage of play, Glasgow’s defence stood tall and was able to force a knock-on and relieve the pressure. Brilliant offloading from Glasgow allowed Cole Forbes to secure the try bonus point just before the break.

After more liquid rugby saw Glasgow go from 22 to 22 in a matter of moments, Miotti settled for a drop goal after good defensive work to keep the scoreboard ticking over for Glasgow. Their confidence in attack seeped into their defensive work, rarely allowing Munster any successful gainline carries and earning penalties at the breakdown. Munster did not help their cause with constant handling errors throughout the first half and start of the second stifling them of any territory and momentum.

Gavin Coombes finally got the hosts on the board with his 13th try of the season, reaching out to score after a maul had broken down. Craig Casey scored just moments later as the momentum shifted towards the home side, Munster finally clicking in attack and picking the weak links in Glasgow’s scrambling defence. However, Sione Vailanu crossed to halt the immediate momentum shift, barrelling over from close range after good work from Jamie Dobie.

More dogged defence from Glasgow frustrated their hosts, before Josh Wytcherley eventually broke through for Munster’s third try after several minutes camped on the Scottish side’s line. Calvin Nash scored two minutes from time to secure a try bonus point for Munster, but that is all they managed as Glasgow’s vintage first half display secured the 5 points.