Glasgow 25-21 Bulls: Three things we learned
McDowall a top-class operator The biggest surprise in Franco Smith's team for this massive last-16 match was his decision to pick Stafford McDowall at outside centre over British and Irish Lion Huw Jones. McDowall was immense on a grim afternoon of wind and rain in Glasgow. He made a searing break that led to Warriors' first try and scored in the corner himself in the second half.
He was the standout performer for the hosts in a game where they had to dig deep against a team stacked with Springboks. Smith's faith in youth pays off When George Horne was forced off with an ankle injury in the first half, many Glasgow supporters would have feared the worst. Horne is a bundle of energy and embodies much of what is good about Glasgow's attacking game.
However, 23-year-old Ben Afshar came off the bench and hardly put a foot wrong on the big stage. There are several other examples in this Glasgow side of players that Smith has blooded, building depth by trusting youth and inexperience. Just look at Gregor Hiddleston, Max Williamson and Alex Samuel.
Glasgow are real deal It didn't really need this result to confirm it, but this Glasgow team are serious candidates to win not only the URC but the Champions Cup too. They have won all of their European matches this season and are four points clear at the top of the URC league table. Bulls might be eighth, but they were the last team to beat Warriors at Scotstoun and the physicality they bring is a challenge for any side.
Glasgow stood up to that challenge and the conditions, all while playing their attractive brand of attacking rugby. Even a team of Toulon's stature will feel trepidation travelling to Scotstoun next weekend.