It’s wild out West.
Glasgow Warriors arrived in Galway determined to make a point.
Gregor Townsend’s side lost twice in a fortnight against Connacht to miss out on a top two league finish and a Guinness PRO12 final at Murrayfield.
Warriors decided to come out strong. Captain Jonny Gray won the coin toss and told the referee that his side would play the first half into the strong Galwegian wind.
It was a declaration – give us your best shot and we’ll come right back at you.
In the Glasgow players trotted, at 5:04pm, towards the away dressing room. Townsend would have drilled his players on the tactics to play when playing into the gusting winds.
The players ran back out at 5:13pm and there was a problem – the wind had completely changed direction. Welcome to Galway.
Gray was seen conferring quickly with his teammates before Jack Carty kicked off. The wind-change meant Connacht would soak up the hits in the first half, stay close and have energy for the second half.
Still, it wasn’t all bad as the Scots went into the sheds 13-5 up after a successful penalty and two fine Tommy Seymour tries.
It could have been 17-5 but you’re not getting a touchline conversion in Galway today, for love nor money.
After the break, Warriors ran in two more tries before the hour mark to put the PRO12 champs on their arse.
Huge All-Ireland final GAA Hour features an interview with Kilkenny manager Brian Cody. Subscribe here on iTunes.
