“We had to put everything on the line. We did that: we were amazing.” | Sebastian Cancelliere

BKT United Rugby Championship Semi-Final, Thomond Park, Limerick 15/6/2024 Munster vs Glasgow Warriors Glasgow Warriors' Tom Jordan, Josh McKay and Huw Jones Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

As expected, the clash was physical and fiercely competitive at Thomond Park. Munster drew an early three points from a lack of discipline and a slightly nervous start from the Warriors. But after a loose ball from the home side, being picked up by the skipper Kyle Steyn, Glasgow stayed in the lead for the rest of the game.

Two tries from Steyn and a second from Sebastian Cancelliere separated the Warriors from Munster. A late penalty right in front of the posts gave Glasgow a seven-point lead heading into the final five minutes. Fighting hard in a physical defensive battle, the Warriors silenced Thomond Park with their win.

The second try-scorer Sebastian Cancelliere gave his thoughts on the semi-final battle.

“It feels great to be honest. It was a great game for us,” Sebastian said. “They were defending champions, and we were playing in their stadium. We had to put everything on the line. We did that: we were amazing.

“There’s one more to go now. We travel to Pretoria. We just need one more.”

The second try that stretched Glasgow’s lead came from a Huw Jones line break. The Scotland centre dodged defenders, gaining ground and gave Sebastian the opportunity to run the ball down the wing into the try zone.

“The try came from a great counterattack from the entire team,” Sebastian commented. “Huw Jones was so agile, and the offload was great. I knew he was going to make a line break with his footwork. I just had to run in support.

“Huw played a great game, and it was amazing to be part of that.”

Whilst Glasgow Warriors will firmly have their sights set on lifting the URC trophy in South Africa, winning the semi-final was very important to the entire squad and coaching staff.

“Winning these types of games means a lot for the squad. They were defending champions and finished top of the league. Munster are an amazing team, so it means a lot to use to get the win,” Sebastian said.

“We knew the extensive rivalry between us and Munster. There was a lot of conversations outside of the club about that rivalry. It was a massive game. We had to prove a point and I think we certainly did that.”

Glasgow definitely silenced the Irish side. The Vodacom Bulls also did the same to Leinster, defeating them at home 25-20. Glasgow travel to Pretoria to take on the Bulls in the grand finale of this year’s URC competition.

“I’m really looking forward to going back to South Africa. It’ll be another massive game, another physical encounter which I love,” Sebastian emphasised.

“We will have to do much better than last time we were there. We need to be like today and keep our cool.”

The final will kick-off on Saturday 22 June at 5pm GMT.