Steyn stars as Glasgow eventually shake Connacht to reach URC semi-finals

Kyle Steyn was in inspirational form as top seeds Glasgow eventually pulled away from Connacht in the second half to book their place in the United Rugby Championship semi-finals with a 33-21 victory at Scotstoun.

Franco Smith’s side will face the winner of Saturday’s clash between Bulls and Munster at Murrayfield next Saturday.

Connacht, who finished eighth in the regular season, started on the front foot, and after being held up over the line in the opening moments, they made the breakthrough in the fourth minute when Cian Prendergast pushed over, with Sam Gilbert on point with the conversion.

Glasgow fired back to draw level in the 10th minute as Patrick Schickerling dived over from close range, with George Horne successful from the tee.

Connacht suffered a blow four minutes later as prop Sam Illo was sin-binned for multiple team infringements before Warriors hooker Johnny Matthews had a try ruled out after Matt Fagerson was penalised for obstruction following a TMO intervention.

Points Flow Chart

Glasgow win +12

Time in lead

37

Mins in lead

7

46%

% Of Game In Lead

9%

65%

Possession Last 10 min

35%

5

Points Last 10 min

7

Steyn made a sensational try-saving tackle to deny Connacht’s Josh Ioane, ensuring it remained 7-7 at the break, and the Glasgow captain sparked a second-half try rush when he darted through a gap to put his side in front in the 45th minute.

Warriors stretched their lead when Josh McKay ran over. Both tries were converted by Horne.

Just as the hosts looked to be coasting, they suffered the double blow of losing a try and a player in the 65th minute as Dave Heffernan bundled his way over, with Gilbert converting, as Alex Samuel was sin-binned for repeat offences.

Warriors restored their two-try cushion through Jare Oguntibeju, with Horne again converting, but Connacht again hit back through Finlay Bealham.

Steyn eased the tension when he burst over on the right for his side’s fifth and final try in the 74th minute.