Investec Champions Cup: Glasgow Warriors thrash Toulon to reach last 16, Connacht knock out 14-man Bristol Bears

Glasgow Warriors booked their place in the last 16 of the Investec Champions Cup with a thrilling 29-5 victory over Toulon at Scotstoun.

In a repeat of last year’s Challenge Cup final, unanswered tries from Kyle Rowe and Huw Jones gave the Warriors a 12-0 lead at half-time before the visitors hit back through Gael Drean after the break.

But the hosts would not be denied. A Josh McKay score wrestled back the momentum before Jones and Rowe bagged their braces for the richly deserved bonus-point win.

The result secured Glasgow a place in the round of 16 for the first time in five years and left three-time champions Toulon bottom of Pool 3 and out of Europe.

Toulon started the brighter, but it was The Warriors who looked like they had struck first when McKay touched down in the corner after a solo effort from his own half before referee Matthew Carley chalked it off for obstruction in the build-up.

The visitors continued to press forward but struggled to convert the pressure into points.

Matt Fagerson in particular was a menace at the breakdown and Glasgow’s more clinical edge put them ahead in the 22nd minute.

After being found by Sione Tuipulotu, Jones did what he does best to blast through a hole in the Toulon defence before offloading in the tackle to Rowe, who had a clear run for the line.

The Scotland centre pairing was at it again nine minutes later. Tuipulotu delayed his pass to perfection to set Jones into space for him to breeze over for the game’s second try and a 12-0 lead at the break.

The French Top 14 side reduced their arrears with a Drean try after a sublime looped pass from Jeremy Sinzelle but it was the hosts who quickly reasserted their dominance.

McKay got the score his performance deserved before a stunning second for Jones in the 64th minute secured the bonus point.

At the end of a pulsating final 15 minutes and with the clock in the red, Rowe touched down in the corner to cap off a superb Glasgow victory.

Connacht kept their hopes of qualifying for the last 16 alive with a 27-10 win at home to Bristol Bears.

A slick move was finished off by Shayne Bolton in the eighth minute to give the hosts the early advantage before Bristol were reduced to 14 men when Josh Caulfield was sent off for standing on the head of Finlay Bealham.

Connacht made their numerical advantage count. Tries from Jack Aungier and Caolin Blade made it 17-3 at half-time before Andrew Smith secured the bonus point shortly after the break.

Bristol got a late consolation, but the result leaves them bottom of Pool 1 and out of the Champions Cup, while Connacht move up to fourth and in with a chance of progressing if Saracens lose and fail to get a bonus point against Lyon.

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