The defeat means the men from Pretoria return to South African shores with just one win from three outings on this crucial northern hemisphere swing. Following an earlier loss to Ulster a fortnight ago and a narrow, hard-fought victory against Connacht last weekend, the Bulls once again struggled to find the consistency required on the road.

While the contest was an intense, bruising battle up front for much of the 80 minutes, Glasgow’s three tries – including a pivotal penalty try – ultimately proved the difference. Flyhalf Adam Hastings added two conversions to steady the ship for the home side.

The former Griquas star Kyle Steyn. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Bulls, to their credit, showed flashes of attacking brilliance. Wing Stravino Jacobs and veteran utility back Willie le Roux crossed the whitewash for their two tries, with scrumhalf Keagan Johannes landing one conversion.

The Warriors, however, were quick out of the blocks. After an early surge led by Scott Cummings was halted by a knock-on, the hosts capitalised on a high-tackle penalty in the build-up. 

Opting for the line-out, a neat passage of interplay allowed Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu to power over for the opening try. Hastings made no mistake with the conversion, handing Glasgow a 7–0 lead after only six minutes.

The Bulls hit back with characteristic speed. The blistering pace of Sebastian de Klerk sliced through the Glasgow defence before he executed a brilliant offload to put Jacobs in for an easy score. Johannes missed the difficult conversion, leaving the hosts just two points ahead at 7–5.

Despite Glasgow enjoying the lion’s share of possession and territory in the first half, the Bulls’ defence stood firm, frustrating the Scottish outfit and keeping themselves in the contest at the break. Johannes had a chance to nudge the visitors ahead following another high-tackle penalty, but his long-range attempt fell short.

The second half began with genuine attacking intent from the Bulls. Playing with purpose and getting the ball into the right areas, De Klerk once again proved instrumental. 

This time, providing the assist for Le Roux to stroll over for the five-pointer. Johannes added the extras, putting the Bulls ahead for the first time at 12–7.

The Bulls looked poised to pull away when Glasgow went down to 14 men following a yellow card for South African-born prop Nathan McBeth, who hails from Welkom. 

A slick link-up between Springbok duo Le Roux and Kurt-Lee Arendse then saw the latter dive over, only for the try to be rightly disallowed for a preceding knock-on.

Glasgow Warriors. Photo: Glasgow Warriors

That ruling proved a turning point. Instead of extending their lead, the Bulls watched as Glasgow’s forwards took control. From a defensive line-out, the Warriors launched a powerful maul and were rewarded with a penalty try after the Bulls’ defence was deemed to have illegally collapsed the drive.

With the score at 14–12, Glasgow turned the screw. McBeth, fresh from the sin bin, powered over at the back of another dominant maul in the final quarter. Hastings added the conversion, effectively sealing the match at 21–12.

The Bulls will now regroup in Pretoria, no doubt reflecting on where they lost the tactical battle – particularly at the set-piece – as they prepare for the next phase of the competition.

Nathan McBeth. Photo: The Offside Line

Meanwhile, on Saturday, the other three South African franchises will be in action. At 13:45, the Lions host the unbeaten Ulster at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. At 16:00, it’s over to Durban where the winless Sharks take on the Scarlets of Wales at Kings Park, and at 18:30, Benetton host the top-of-the-log Stormers in Treviso.

Scorers:

Glasgow Warriors: Tries – Sione Tuipulotu, Penalty Try, Nathan McBeth Conv. – Adam Hastings 2

Bulls: Tries – Stravino Jacobs, Willie le Roux Conv. – Keegan Johannes

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek