As Chief Brody looks elated that they’ve got their target, Hooper starts to make him doubt that it’s actually the one. It’s important. They need to open the beaches again to be a successful summer. In the end, when opened up, the Shark in front of them proves to be a disappointment.
Slain, but not what they wanted. I imagine that’s exactly how Franco, Kyle and the boys felt on Friday night when they slayed the Shark in front of them, but it turned out not to be all they were looking for. (Bet you wondered where I was going with that? So did I…)
Deflation, not elation is how I can best sum up Friday night’s encounter with Durban’s finest. Three tries by half time and it’s job almost done. The same three tries and no new additions on the whistle 40 minutes later and the Scotstoun faithful are bound to be feeling that this is a bonus point that should have been chalked up against their name.
Glasgow had more than enough fire power on the field to take advantage of a depleted Sharks side. No Mbonambi, Nche, Etzebeth, Am, etc. was disappointing from a fan perspective but gave the Warriors a chance to ensure this particular shark was rendered toothless quickly and painlessly.
In truth, Glasgow never looked likely to lose this one but were never at their very best against an opposition not known for away wins. Glasgow were on top of almost everything, metres gains, defenders beaten, clean breaks, offloads, opportunities missed, chances squandered and fans frustrated.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s the business end of the season. Wins are wins and four points is ultimately the aim of the game but it felt like a chance missed.
With Leinster taking an uncharacteristic doin’ against the Lions and Munster ensuring the Bulls lost third place, Glasgow could have been joint top of the table going into the Zebre game away and then the South African double header.
It makes this Saturdays game in Parma all the more important and should sharpen the focus of the Warriors players. Five points against the team bottom of the table with one victory is an absolute must. Nothing else will suffice. Who plays on Saturday is vital. We need to dominate and score as many points as we can.
With the Lions against Munster and Leinster in Pretoria to take the Stormers on, we cannot pass up another chance to top the league. The Italians will make things difficult for their visitors but if we are serious about winning this league, then we have take every opportunity to get maximum points that is available.
Oli Kebble and Johnny Matthews both left Scotstoun on crutches so will be doubtful at the very least although there have been positive noises coming from Franco as to the seriousness of those injuries. It’s been quite a week for hookers down Danes Drive this week.
Fraser Brown, a fantastic servant to the club, has announced he will be retiring from the game. Sadly we will not see him on the pitch to take the bow he richly deserves so I hope the club will give him the honour of delivering the match ball for the remaining home game so we can pay him his dues.
Grant Stewart is back, signing until 2026, presumably to replace Brown (at least) and it will be good to see the man who made us dream at Celtic Park when he went over in the final in 2019 against Leinster (still not over that one!).
Then there is George Turner. The rumours are he’s looking at packing up and heading to Japan. It’s hard to begrudge any player who wants to broaden their horizons and give their family a better life and if he can earn a decent bit into the bargain then who are we to stand in his way. It will be sad to see him go though.
He’s been a stalwart of Glasgow and it’s fair to say the best years of his career have been spent at the club. I can only hope he gets one more chance to pull the shirt on and make appearance number 100.
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