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.