Friday night lights at Scotstoun turned electric at 2:35 p.m. ET when the Glasgow Warriors prepared to host the Cape Town‑based DHL Stormers. The fixture wasn’t just another knockout game; it was a déjà‑vu of the 2023/24 quarter‑final, meaning both camps knew the pressure points and the stakes. For viewers across North America, the action streamed live on the FloRugby and FloSports apps, giving fans a front‑row seat to a clash of two of the United Rugby Championship’s most aggressive outfits.
Coach Franco Smith went into the week with a clear message: the Stormers bring “one of the most dangerous attacking threats” in the competition, and Glasgow would need to be at full throttle. He also reminded the squad that the roar of the Warrior Nation at Scotstoun could tilt the balance in their favor.
The Warriors announced a restored back row, welcoming back winger Josh McKay after a long injury lay‑off and centre Henco Venter, who served a suspension. Front‑row veteran Jamie Bhatti kept his spot from the recent Leinster clash, while Gregor Hiddleston and Murphy Walker completed the pack, with Walker earning his first start of the 2024/25 season.
The Stormers rolled out a balanced side headed by captain Salmaan Moerat, with a blend of power forwards and speedsters on the wing. Their bench featured familiar names like Joseph Dweba and Manie Libbok, ready to inject fresh legs if the match tilted.
The match kicked off with both sides testing each other’s defenses. Glasgow’s early pressure paid off after 12 minutes when Kyle Rowe broke through the Stormers’ line to score the first try. The conversion put the home crowd on their feet, and the Warriors never looked back.
Stormers captain Moerat answered with a midfield surge that forced a turnover, but the Warriors’ defensive organization held firm. Henco Venter, fresh from his suspension, made a crucial tackle in the 30th minute that stopped a potential try‑scoring run, earning applause from his own supporters.
Half‑time saw Glasgow leading 18‑6, with Rowe already on a brace and George Horne adding a penalty. In the locker room, Smith urged his players to keep the tempo high and not let the Stormers settle into a rhythm.
The second half began with Glasgow’s set‑piece dominance. Gregor Hiddleston’s line‑out steal gave the ball to Euan Ferrie, who darted to the corner for a third try. The Warriors’ confidence grew, and they kept the Stormers on the back foot with quick rucks and aggressive tackling.
Rory Darge, who would later snag Player of the Match, showcased his versatility by diving on a grubber kick in the 58th minute, extending the lead to 30‑9. The Stormers tried to fight back, with Seabelo Senatla scoring a late try, but a missed conversion kept the gap unbridgeable.
When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 36‑18. Kyle Rowe’s double, plus tries from Darge, Horne, Venter and McKay, highlighted a balanced attack that combined wing speed with forward power. The Warriors’ defensive solidity was evident as they forced several Stormers errors, limiting Kapiti’s chances to mount a comeback.
Rory Darge’s all‑round performance—solid defense, a try‑saving tackle, and a decisive score—won him the Player of the Match award. The win catapults Glasgow into the URC semi‑finals, where they will look to extend their title‑defence run.
For fans who missed the action, the game’s replay will be available on the FloRugby platform later this week, ensuring the excitement lives on beyond the stadium lights.
Written by Zimkita Khayone Mvunge
View all posts by: Zimkita Khayone Mvunge