Kyle Steyn stars as Glasgow Warriors edge Connacht to reach URC semi-finals

Kyle Steyn stars as Glasgow Warriors edge Connacht to reach URC semi-finals

Glasgow Warriors booked their place in the United Rugby Championship semi-finals with a hard-fought 33-21 victory over Connacht at Scotstoun.

South African-born Kyle Steyn delivered a standout performance, scoring twice and producing a crucial defensive chase in the first half to deny a certain Connacht try.

The match was level 7-7 at half-time after Connacht struck first through Cian Prendergast, before Patrick Schickerling replied for Glasgow from close range.

Glasgow seized control early in the second half with back-to-back tries. Steyn crossed first after a 50-22 sparked the attack, before Josh McKay finished another flowing move to put the hosts firmly in charge.

Connacht hit back with a try from Dave Heffernan just after the hour, which cut the gap to 21-14 and briefly shifted momentum.

But Glasgow responded immediately. Jare Oguntibeju powered over from a ruck to restore the cushion, before Finlay Bealham kept Connacht alive with a reply that narrowed it again.

Steyn then sealed the win six minutes from time with his second try, ensuring Glasgow held on despite a missed late conversion.

Glasgow now face either the Bulls or Munster in next Saturday's semi-final at Murrayfield, which will also host the final should they progress.

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