Adam Hastings leaves the field at half-time as Glasgow claim URC’s first win

Glasgow proved too strong for an undisciplined Benetton as they claimed their first victory in their United Rugby Championship title defense with a 41-10 home victory.

An even contest resulted in Scott Scrafton being shown a red card just before half-time, with the Italians also losing two players to yellow cards in the second period.

The home team took advantage to facilitate the victory by extra points, having six tries.

Glasgow started ideally with a try in the first six minutes.

A lineout was made through the hands of Josh McKay, who advanced before supplying Kyle Rowe to feed Kyle Steyn to score. Adam Hastings was converted.

Benetton were forced into an early change when Onisi Ratagve limped off to be replaced by Paolo Odogwu. The substitute was involved immediately as he avoided Rowe’s challenge to score from the corner.

The TMO took a look and decided the punishment had been fair, but the referees had their attention drawn to a forward pass early in the movement and disallowed the attempt.

The home team returned to the lead and soon extended their advantage.

Sione Tuipulotu’s burst and spin allowed him to wriggle around before providing the pass for Matt Fagerson to score. Hastings added the extras again.

Benetton reduced the deficit when the maul pushed Mirco Spagnolo over the line, with Jacob Umaga converting.

Glasgow then had their own try disallowed. Tom Jordan performed brilliantly to put a bouncing ball into the hands of Tuipulotu, who stepped away to score. The TMO, however, considered that the pass went forward.

Benetton were reduced to 14 men just before half-time. Scrafton arrived late and hit Hastings with his shoulder and was sent off.

Umaga kicked a penalty early in the second half to reduce the deficit to four points, before Glasgow responded with two quick tries.

The first was largely due to Jordan’s alertness, who took advantage of the Benetton’s poor maneuverability to help Rory Darge score under the posts.

Steyn then provided the pass for Jamie Dobie to follow to the line. Duncan Weir, Hastings’ half-time substitute, converted both.

Benetton’s night got worse when Odogwu was booked for catching Steyn and the Warriors captain soon capitalized with his team’s fifth try.

Riccardo Favretto joined his teammate in the sin bin as Benetton were temporarily down to 12 men, with Euan Ferrie scoring Glasgow’s sixth at the death.