Stuart Hogg 'wins' crossbar challenge on his dramatic return to Scotstoun

Stuart Hogg was the winner on Saturday of a rugby challenge he would prefer not to have won. Hitting the crossbar with a kick has become a regular staple of the rugby matchday entertainment in some parts of Europe, fans usually queuing up to win a prize if they manage to get the ball to collide with the crossbar.  

However, hitting the woodwork was the last thing the Exeter Chiefs full-back would have wanted on his return to Scotstoun eight months after he last featured at the ground in the colours of the host club, Glasgow Warriors. 

An epic round five European encounter brimming with eight tries – enough to give each team a try bonus point – and 62 points was deadlocked at 31-points all when the Scottish international lined up a monster kick from inside the Exeter half.

The Gallagher Premiership leaders needed only a point to secure top spot in Pool Two, a status that was secured with their try bonus point.  

However, they would have departed Glasgow with a last-gasp victory had Hogg’s booming attempt off the tee not collided back into play off the crossbar. 

Stuart Hogg with the 60-yard crossbar challenge ?

An absolute monster of a kick with the clock in the red and the scores level… Agonisingly close to winning it!!

An insane finish to a sensational game!#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/RXBPJou4X2

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) January 11, 2020

That gave the Warriors one last chance to counter-attack in the hope of scoring the winning points themselves, but they ran into touch to bring the curtain down on a terrific encounter packed with entertainment. 

While pool winners Exeter will now host La Rochelle at Sandy Park next weekend as they seek to nail down a home quarter-final, Glasgow have been left stuck on twelve points and have slim hopes of reaching the last eight as one of the three best runners-up.

WATCH: The Rugby Pod on Nigel Wray and the future of Saracens