Warriors romp to an Italian Job success
Rampant Warriors last night turned on the power in Parma to boost their bid to earn a home-turf Pro14 semi final.
Dave Rennie’s men ruthlessly swatted aside the hosts and the full haul of points was in the bag long before half-time.
And thanks to Munster’s defeat by Scarlets, Glasgow have jumped back to the top of their league section.
Zebre had snatched an early lead with a Carlo Canna penalty after a lineout offence. Glasgow hit back with pace and power as Tim Swinson was driven-over.
But his claims for a try were foiled as the video ref ruled the grounding was inconclusive. However, from the next scrum, Matt Fagerson hurtled through – giving Adam Hastings an easy conversion.
Skipper Chris Fusaro then burst into the contest with a bizarre solo score – scooping up the loose ball at the base of a ruck and scampering 50 metres.
Hastings’ angled kick dropped over via the inside of the post.
Young centre Stafford Mcdowall cruised in for No3 midway through the half in a slick line out move – Hastings again finding the target.
And fittingly, the bonuspoint fourth touchdown was snapped up by veteran Ruaridh Jackson, who was making his 150th performance for Glasgow.
He latched on to a chip by Hastings, juggled it and then regained control to stroll in unmarked.
The spree continued with Matt Fagerson completing his double on the half-hour mark before Hastings maintained his 100% marksmanship record.
Glasgow’s domination continued after the restart and another pack surge ended with Swinson getting his overdue score.
Zebre refused to wave the white flag and skipper Tomasso Costello darted over for a consolation effort, goaled by Canna.
With the win assured, boss Rennie made wholesale bench changes to give everyone a run. Canna’s night of gloom was complete 15 minutes from time when he was dismissed with a second yellow for lashing out at Darcy Rae with his feet in a tackle.