Glasgow Warriors Secure Thrilling Comeback Victory Over Munster in URC Clash

Glasgow Warriors displayed remarkable resilience to overturn a deficit and secure a thrilling 28-25 victory over Munster in the United Rugby Championship (URC). The match, held at Scotstoun Stadium, saw Glasgow move within eight points of league leaders Leinster.

Early Setback for Munster

The game began with Munster temporarily reduced to 14 men after Fineen Whycherley was sin-binned for an illegal lift on Glasgow's Alex Samuel. Despite this disadvantage, Munster struck first. A handling error from Glasgow near their try line allowed Tony Butler to kick the ball wide, and John Hodnett finished off Andrew Smith's offload to score. Butler converted, giving Munster an early lead.

Munster Extends Lead

Munster further extended their lead when Sean O'Brien powered through multiple tackles to touch down. Butler missed the conversion, but Munster looked in control. Glasgow responded through George Horne, who capitalized on a break involving Sione Vailanu, Stafford McDowall, and Ollie Smith. Adam Hastings converted, leveling DTH van der Merwe's club record of 54 tries.

Glasgow Fights Back

A Butler penalty restored Munster's lead, but Glasgow quickly replied. Smith and McDowall combined to send Kyle Steyn over for a try, which Hastings converted, bringing Glasgow within a point. Butler added another penalty early in the second half, and O'Brien scored his second try, extending Munster's lead.

Dramatic Comeback

Glasgow's replacements made a significant impact. Matt Fagerson peeled off a ruck to score, and Hastings' conversion kept the Warriors in touch. The decisive moment came when Nathan McBeth squeezed over near the posts, giving Glasgow the lead for the first time. Hastings' conversion secured a bonus point.

Final Stand

The Warriors held on to their three-point advantage until full-time, with Munster taking a losing bonus point. The victory propels Glasgow closer to the URC summit, while Munster slips to sixth place.

Line-ups

Glasgow Warriors: Rowe, Cancelliere, Smith, McDowall, Steyn, Hastings, G Horne, Bhatti, Matthews, Schickerling, Oguntibeju, Samuel, Ferrie, Vailanu, Mann. Replacements: Stewart, McBeth, Talakai, Du Preez, Brown, M. Fagerson, Afshar, Weir.

Munster: B O'Connor, O'Brien, Farrell, Nankivell, Smith, Butler, Patterson, Loughman, Barron, Archer, F. Wycherley, Ahern, Kendellen, Hodnett, G Coombes. Replacements: Sheahan, J Wycherley, J Ryan, Gleeson, Quinn, Coughlan, Wood, R Scannell.