Even the change of jerseys at half-time couldn’t disguise the overall standard of defending, writes John O’Sullivan
TV deals and broadcasting rights are a contentious issue in rugby these days, and judging by the slapstick nature of the Glasgow Warriors-Connacht game Comedy Central would be well within their rights to bid for television rights.
Glasgow scored four tries, three of which were inexplicably gifted to them by lacklustre Connacht defending. Connacht, though, also benefitted from comedic Glasgow defending as Nathan White scored his first try for the province.
The usually impressive Kieran Marmion had a night to forget, the Welsh born scrum half was overly keen to utilise box kicks which ultimately cost Connacht as Scottish winger Sean Lamont charged him down before collecting the ball and waltzing over the line for the hosts opener. Scott Wright was unsuccessful with the kick, leaving the score 8-0 to the Warriors.
Wright had the chance to make amends soon after Lamont's audacious pass found full back Peter Murchie who ran in unscathed for Glasgow's second try of the evening. Wright slotted the resultant conversion to put Connacht 15 points in arrears.
Despite losing skipper Gavin Duffy to injury, his replacement Mark McCrea made an almost instantaneous impression. Matthew Jarvis, in classic play maker fashion, spotted a gap in the home defence and his grubber kick was pounced upon by McCrea for Connacht's opening try. The television match official was needed to confirm what was a well worked team try. Jarvis' conversion was good, leaving the score at 15-7.
Having slotted Connacht's conversion, Jarvis had the confidence and momentum to slot a penalty making the score 15-10 in favour of Glasgow.
Losing Gavin Duffy would significantly weaken any team, particularly in aerial encounters, and a botched attempt to field the ball gifted Glasgow another try, this time Canada winger DTH van der Merwe was the benefactor. Wright added the extras for 22-10 the hosts.
And next comes the comedy moment, after conceding a try to a failed attempt at fielding the ball, Connacht benefitted from the very same mistake from the subsequent kick off.
Nathan White was known as a marauding prop in his Leinster days and these attributes travelled west of the Shannon with him as he showed tremendous pace to take advantage of Glasgow's feeble attempts to retain possession from Connacht's kick off. Jarvis' conversion was a formality, leaving the score at 22-17 to Glasgow-losing bonus point territory for Connacht.
The wind was in Connacht's sails, but they were hit with the proverbial sucker punch soon after. Ruaridh Jackson and Peter Murchie dovetailed immaculately to send DTH van der Merwe away for his second try of the evening to seal a bonus point victory for Glasgow with a final score of 27-17.
Connacht had some good moments in this game, and their mistakes were more individual rather than systematic. Eric Elwood knows his young charges badly need to improve but the signs are there that they will. Connacht's next game is the small task of hosting European Champions, Leinster.
I’m John O’Sullivan, 20. Part time student, full time sports nut. Love rugby and am currently the PRO of Connemara RFC. I also do some radio work for my local station. One day, I would love to be a Sports Journalist/Broadcaster. I would like to thank Jeff for giving me the chance to cover my beloved Connacht on ‘Harpin2’, looking forward to a great season!
