Both the pro teams got through the weekend with more vital wins although the scoreboards flattered the amount of effort both sides needed to get over the line.
Edinburgh 29-0 Zebre
Edinburgh were only 3-0 up at the interval in this one and both sides had an opening half to forget. It was error-strewn stuff. Zebre could even have had the lead but had a try chalked off for obstruction.
The Edinburgh bench altered the momentum of the game completely and the backline – led by capable Welsh loan-signing and Man of the Match Jason Tovey – suddenly found space for Damien Hoyland to work into. The winger scored two tries, with Hidalgo-Clyne and Alex Toolis grabbing the rest.
Talking Point: The substitutions of Ross Ford for Stuart McInally and Sean Kennedy for Sam Hidalgo-Clyne completely changed the game. Should Rambo be given a chance for a starts to allow Ford to catch his breath post Six Nations? With Pyrgos also impressing for Glasgow, is Sam hitting form at just the right time ahead of the Japan tour?
Best Bit: Edinburgh getting the vital bonus point will be all this one is remembered for.
Treviso 16-38 Glasgow
Glasgow scored 6 tries but this was no whipping. Treviso were cussed and played some free-spirited running rugby of their own and Glasgow never really got out of sight of the Italians. First half tries from Jonny Gray and Pete Horne were the just reward for the pace Glasgow were attempting to play at. And the bonus point was sealed by man of the moment Stuart Hogg – who has done little wrong in attack since about February – and former Treviso player Simone Favaro who played with his usual aggression. It was pleasing that Glasgow pushed on for another two tries to assert their dominance, the scores coming from replacements Grayson Hart and James Malcolm. Gray and Strauss once again carried superbly.
Talking Point: For once there was little to bemoan in a referees performance. Ben Whitehouse (Wales) communicated well and kept the game moving. One for the future?
Best Bit: Glasgow pushing on to score more, rather than settling for the bonus and shutting up shop. Although as usual Hogg’s try was a little special. More of the same following their week in Italy, please.
5 responses
Glasgow – laboured a bit but it was 6 tries to 1 in the end – giving away 3 silly kickable penalties in the first half was what really kept Treviso in it, though their try was well worked.
Edinburgh – McInally brought much to the open play but the lineouts were a bit of a shambles after he came on. Hopefully that will be rectified as up until now he’s looked the part. Sam did look good but think it has more to do with Kennedy than SHC. Looking forward to Hugh Fraser being brought in.
Zebre could be in for a real horsing this weekend – at least Treviso have a big pack you have to wear down first – Zebre just look like an amateur side. Interested to see what comes out the Tombola this week.
I thought that the standard of passing by Edinburgh in the first half especially was very poor although they did improve. Bradbury consistently got go-forward but otherwise a fairly pedestrian display.
For Glasgow Hogg was again inspirational in attack, but Bennett was quiet again – Glasgow could really do with him hitting form with the business end of the season approaching.
Forgot to say- as per Rory’s comment, Ben Whitehouse was also excellent when refereeing the Edinburgh v Connaught game
Every time I see Whitehouse he impresses. Best ref in Pro12 by a country mile. Owens is not as wonderful as some would like to suggest. Still, compared to Lacey, Clancy, Hodges, etc……
No mention of the other “best bit” of the weekend – the other results going Glasgow’s way. Is it too much to be talking of a home semi? I think us fans can but expect Toonie to keep the players firmly grounded for the last push!