Bulls overpower Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun to make more URC history

The visitors delivered a second-half surge to overturn a narrow half-time deficit and stun the home crowd with a powerful display of forward dominance and clinical execution, gaining some measure of revenge for their defeat in last year's URC final.

It's the second time in as many weeks that they have broken new ground for South Africa in the URC, as their win over Munster at Thomond Park a week ago was also the first for a South African team.

Glasgow started the match at a furious tempo, dominating possession and territory. The Warriors repeatedly tested the Bulls' defence but were met by a resilient wall, most notably prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels, who produced a remarkable try-saving tackle early on and continued to make a string of bruising hits throughout the half.

The Bulls, however, were the first on the scoreboard, Johan Goosen slotting two penalty goals to give them a 6-0 lead despite struggling to match Glasgow's tempo.

The home side eventually got reward for their pressure in the 36th minute when replacement Jamie Dobie finished off a flowing move to score the game's opening try. Scrumhalf George Horne added the extras to edge Glasgow ahead 7-6.

But ill-discipline cost the Warriors again just before the break, and Goosen landed a third penalty to restore a 9-7 lead for the visitors heading into halftime.

The second half belonged to the Bulls, who emerged from the tunnel with renewed intent and ferocity, particularly in the scrum. Wilco Louw, back from a first-half yellow card, spearheaded a dominant pack performance that paved the way for a decisive period of scoring.

Hooker Johan Grobbelaar crashed over from a powerful rolling maul to score the Bulls' first try of the match, before Goosen's conversion and another penalty extended their lead to 19-7.

The Bulls weren't done and went further ahead when David Kriel capitalised on a Glasgow error in the backfield, pouncing on the ball and finishing off another blow to the hosts' hopes. Goosen's conversion pushed the lead out to 26-7.

Facing a 19-point deficit, Glasgow showed fight in the closing stages. Captain Kyle Steyn crossed in the 76th minute after sustained pressure, and centre Stafford McDowall added a second just two minutes later to bring the margin back to seven points.

George Horne's conversion of Smith's try gave Glasgow a glimmer of hope, but time ran out for the hosts and the Bulls hung on for a valuable victory that puts them in a great position to secure a potential home semi-final come the end of the season.

READ MORE: Bok veteran Deon Fourie gives thumbs up after surgery, vows to make comeback