GLAGOW CAME UP one yard short in their quest to snatch victory at The Rec and as a result it was Bath rather than the Scottish side who advanced to the last eight of the Champions Cup.
But Gregor Townsend can be pleased that his side went out playing the expansive brand of rugby that Glasgow have become known for during his tenure and it manifested itself in a cracking score for back row Richie Vernon.
The flat passing and running lines here are just sublime.
Glasgow played exciting, running rugby in four of their pools games but it was their poor displays in the back-to-back losses against Toulouse that ultimately cost them.
But look how close they were to going through. Sam Burgess smashed his centre partner Jonathan Joseph AND Maitland to stop him from scoring.
-Originally published 17.35
He’s not as disappointed as some on relation to how far off they are? They are miles off. No offence to Munster but they are an average,though very gutsy and committed side,and they have hammers Leinster twice in a row now. I do agree that they haven’t had any continuity with combinations,especially from 9-13,and hopefully when the likes of OBrien, Healy, Moore, Teo, McFadden etc come back then there will be a big improvement.
I must take the opportunity to praise Matt O’Connor for the huge improvement in Guinness Pro12 teams. Ever since he arrived at Leinster, every other team has greatly improved. Teams, that two years ago were almost brushed aside by Leinster, have now reached the heights that Leinster once inhabited alone.
Treviso have improved, Munster have improved, Edinburgh have improved, Scarlets have improved, Dragons have improved, Zebra have improved, Connacht (brilliant tonight, by the way) have improved..
In fact, they have all improved so much that Leinster has great difficulty taking on any of them.
By extension, Wasps and Harlequins have shown just how brilliant they are too due to you Matt.
I can hardly wait to see how much Castres get better when they arrive at the RDS soon. They will build statues in your image all over the town.
Matt, you have done European rugby a great service. They have all reached and surpassed Leinster this season thanks to your input at Leinster and everywhere else.
Thank you Matt and Happy New year!.
(and also to Mr Caputo, the news paper seller. Your influence on all other teams has been exceptional)