Glasgow go second with impressive Cardiff win

Glasgow moved up to second place in the Guinness Pro12 with a convincing 33-12 win at Cardiff, to show they might be able to go one better than being last season’s losing finalists.

Coach Gregor Townsend paid tribute to the character of his side. Picture: Donald MacLeod

Having beaten holders Leinster in their opening game, Glasgow needed a couple of moments of opportunism to see off Cardiff as they pursue the top-of-the-table status which could lead to a home final.

Coach Gregor Townsend paid tribute to the character of his side, who clinched victory when under greatest pressure – down to 14 men and just one point ahead – thanks to the first of two tries for substitute scrum-half Niko Matawalu.

“There was a time when it looked like Cardiff were getting momentum in the second half and we really stepped it up, we got the two tries and that put us in a comfortable position,” he said after the victory.

“We would love to be back in the play-offs but we are two games down with 20 to go and we know how hard it will be. It was tough last season to get a home semi-final, but we can just manage the squad and we need to keep improving.

“Getting a win is the most important thing and when we were down to 14 men at one stage we would definitely have taken a win, but we will look at what we did when we had time at the end to get a fourth try.

“We will analyse our mistakes and try to learn from that next week.

“We were more accurate during the sin bin period, I don’t think there was a scrum at all during that time.

“It’s an early season game, errors from both sides, but I thought there was a real intent to play and real physicality around the breakdown.”

While the Ospreys top the early season table, Glasgow will look to build on their opening two victories with another trip to Wales next weekend to face the Dragons in Newport.