“It was a big challenge but I enjoyed that” | Henco Venter

BKT United Rugby Championship, Stadio Monigo, Treviso, Italy 2/3/2024 Benetton Rugby vs Glasgow Warriors Glasgow players celebrate after the game Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Luca Sighinolfi

TRIES FOR MATTHEWS, MCDOWALL, AND JORDAN

The match saw for three tries by Johnny Matthews, Tom Jordan, and Captain Stafford McDowall who also won player of the match.

Back rower Henco Venter spoke to glasgowwarriors.org about how pleased he was for the Warriors to get a win away from home: “It’s a massive win against a team that’s in the top 4 as well.

“I think it was a hell of a game. In the first half, they tackled us, and we kept an eye on their mistakes. The boys got stuck in and we pulled through. The second half was a different story. We pulled through on defence and we could’ve scored more tries. Four tries would’ve been better to be honest.”

Whilst Glasgow dominated the first half that resulted in a 0-12 half-time score, Benetton came out in the second half stronger than in the first. Glasgow did give away several penalties. However, with a strong defensive effort from the Warriors and an exceptional try scored by Tom Jordan allowed them to sore to victory.

“It was a big challenge and I enjoyed that,” Henco said. “The ball was being thrown around a lot, but the play was quite static. But I really enjoyed that game.”

IMPACT OF THE YOUTH IN THE SQUAD

With a significant number of Warriors being away with Scotland during the Six Nations and with several injuries in the Warriors squad, a number of the younger players have taken to the stage with excellence. As one of the older members of the squad, Henco commended the likes of Jamie Dobie—who is only 22 years old—for his maturity and intelligence on the pitch.

“The young guys – they’re going to be legends. They are becoming very prominent in their positions.

“They must not be taken likely. The young guys amongst all the injuries have put their hands up and pulled through for the team.”

LOOKING AHEAD TO CARDIFF

The next fixture that the Warriors will play in is against Cardiff at Scotstoun on Friday 22 March. Henco emphasised the importance of the win away from home leading up to potential home semi-final and even a home final.

“This win has set us up a lot. We want a home semi-final. Really, we need a home final to win the league. Although you can still lose at home, playing at home makes things easier.”