Glasgow power to opening URC victory over Leinster at Scotstoun

A Glasgow side containing seven members of Scotland’s Rugby World Cup squad were pushed all the way by Leinster before eventually securing a bonus-point 43-25 win in round one of the BKT United Rugby Championship.

Although they were without their own World Cup contingent, the Irish province never fell out of contention until the closing minutes of the game.

Josh McKay, Sebastian Cancelliere, Huw Jones, Angus Fraser, George Horne and Johnny Matthews went over for Glasgow, who were also awarded a penalty try. Tom Jordan converting two of the tries and Horne one.

Jack Boyle, Lee Barron and Tommy O’Brien went over for Ulster with fly-half Harry Byrne kicking two penalties and two conversions.

Patient probing paid off for the Warriors after 12 minutes, when Rory Darge raced through a gap in midfield following a lineout before offloading to McKay. The full-back, making his competitive return after seven months out with a broken foot, finished off unopposed.

Leinster hit back with two Byrne penalties in quick succession, but Cancelliere soon got Glasgow’s second, touching down in the right corner after good work by Gregor Brown.

Leinster then took the game to the home team with an assertive series of drives from the pack, finished off by loosehead prop Boyle to edge Leinster ahead.

The lead lasted less than three minutes, however. With advantage being played, Glasgow were able to take a chance with a hack ahead from a loose ball. It fell kindly for Jones, who raced clear to claim his team’s third try of the day.

Two minutes later, hooker Fraser secured the try bonus point following a ruck and the half ended with Glasgow 24-13 ahead.

Leinster had better fortune five minutes into the second half, when Barron broke through and