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Glasgow outmuscle Sharks in late surge at Scotstoun

football26 September 2025 21:15| © SuperSport
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The Hollywoodbet Sharks opened their Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign with a 35–19 defeat to Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun on Friday night as a late surge from the hosts sealed a bonus point win in a match that hung in the balance for nearly 70 minutes.

Despite fielding a side missing several Springbok regulars, the Durban outfit showed early intent with new recruit Edwill van der Merwe marking his debut with a well taken try in the eighth minute. The winger was a constant threat throughout, combining well with Lukhanyo Am in the second half to set up the Sharks’ third try, a moment that briefly narrowed the gap to just two points.

Glasgow, also without a few of their international stars, were far from polished in the opening exchanges. A disallowed maul try and a knock on over the line kept the scoreline tight but they eventually found rhythm through Kyle Rowe and Matt Fagerson who both crossed before the break. Scrumhalf George Horne was instrumental in keeping the tempo up, slotting four conversions and linking well with Jamie Dobie who scored a crucial try late in the second half.

The Sharks, led by Vincent Tshituka, showed flashes of adventure including a sweeping counterattack from deep inside their own half but struggled to convert pressure into points. Their attack often lacked variation and Glasgow’s defence had little trouble reading the patterns presented to them.

 

Discipline also proved costly in the closing stages. Replacement Tinotenda Mavesere was yellow carded for a cynical offside infringement and moments later Lee Marvin Mazibuko joined him in the bin for collapsing a maul. The resulting penalty try sealed the result and handed Glasgow a full five points.

 

While the Sharks will rue missed opportunities and lapses in concentration, Van der Merwe’s performance was a clear positive. His pace, work rate and finishing ability will have caught the eye of national selectors and his combination with Am offers promise for the season ahead.

Glasgow meanwhile will be pleased to have banked maximum points despite a rusty start. Their ability to absorb pressure and strike late suggests they will be contenders again this season.

SCORERS:

Glasgow Warriors: Tries - Kyle Rowe, Stafford McDowall, Rory Darge, Jamie Dobie, Penalty try. Conversions - George Horne (4).

Sharks: Tries - Edwill van der Merwe, Vincent Tshituka, Lukhanyo Am. Conversions - Jaden Hendrikse (2).

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