“Glasgow Warriors are the dark horses this season.”
That was the view put forward by former Scotland international Jim Hamilton in the wake of Glasgow’s third straight bonus-point win in the Champions Cup with a brilliant away performance at Clermont Auvergne.
Warriors’ place in the knockout stages is secure and they can now look forward to a mouthwatering clash with three-times European champions Saracens next Sunday knowing a win will see them top Pool 1.
That would mean their Round of 16 tie would be at Scotstoun and there is a potential route for Warriors all the way to the semi-finals playing their knockout ties with home advantage.
Glasgow have reached the quarter-finals on three occasions, and been hammered each time – twice by Saracens, and last season by Leinster.
The performances and nature of the victories away at Sale and at home over the six-times champions Toulouse raised expectations that perhaps this is the season Franco Smith’s side breaks new ground in the Champions Cup, and the win at Clermont only adds to that.
Victories on French soil are always hard-earned, particularly for Scottish sides. This one was no different, even if, for 50 minutes or so, it looked like Warriors were cruising.
They looked a cut above their opponents, superior in every department as they ran in four tries, wrapped up the bonus point by half-time and, leading 26-7, appeared in complete control.
Glasgow were a glorious mix of grisly aggression, rapier speed and unerring accuracy.
Huw Jones, in his first appearance of the season having been out since the summer Lions tour with an Achilles injury, looked like he had not missed a beat.
“Huw Jones looks like he’s got even quicker,” remarked former Scotland captain John Barclay on commentary for Premier Sports.
Jones’ prints were all over Glasgow’s scintillating attacking play in that first half. He showed electric pace to burst through for his try, Glasgow’s second. His deft little kick over the defence led to Kyle Steyn’s first try, and his velvet hands helped tee up Jack Dempsey to crash over for Glasgow’s fourth.
Throw in his 10 carries for 78 metres made and five defenders beaten, and it was a superb return to action for Jones, and one that will no doubt delight Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend as the Six Nations hoves into view.
