Glasgow 22-29 Montpellier: Top 14 side claim bonus-point victory in Scotstoun
Last Updated: 09/12/17 8:21pm
Glasgow's Champions Cup campaign is all but over after they succumbed to a third successive European Champions Cup defeat with a 29-22 loss at home to Montpellier on Friday.
The Warriors had looked in firm control at 17-5 up in the first half, but two yellow cards saw the game swing dramatically in Montpellier's favour at Scotstoun.
George Turner was sent to the sin-bin for a no-arms tackle into the back of Louis Picamoles in an incident off the ball before Jonny Gray followed him in a 20-minute period that turned the game.
A brace from Kelian Galletier, a penalty try and one from Jacques du Plessis claimed a bonus point for Vern Cotter's men.
Finn Russell kicked an early penalty before his opposite number Aaron Cruden produced a piece of magic to split the defence, spinning a long pass out to Galletier, who did fantastically to touch down in the corner.
The hosts struck back immediately claiming their restart before forcing a penalty and kicking to the corner.
From a resulting maul, Ali Price fed a rampaging Leo Sarto who stepped inside and reached over from close range to touch down and open up a 10-5 lead after just 12 minutes.
The French side continued to threaten, with the Glasgow defence looking particularly weak, but it took a moment of brilliance from Russell - keen not to be outdone by All Black Cruden - to extend the lead.
The Racing-bound man flicked a superb pass out behind his back in the right corner, allowing Turner to barrel over.
Turner was then yellow carded for a cheap shot on Picamoles, however, and after a period of pressure, Galletier galloped in from the 22 for his second.
The momentum continued and Gray replaced Turner in the bin after bringing down a rolling maul as referee Carley awarded a penalty try to give the visitors a surprise 19-17 lead at the break.
That lead was extended when Du Plessis beat the defence with Crude latching on to scramble over the line for a fourth try, but Sarto added his second after an end-to-end move that started inside the Warriors five-metre line.
Francois Steyn kicked a late penalty to open a 29-22 lead and complete a frustrating night for the hosts and breath new life into the French club's European season.