Glasgow knock crisis-hit Racing out of rugby's European Cup

Glasgow defeated Racing92 23-7 to knock last year's runners-up out of the European Cup, completing a miserable Friday for a French side sent reeling by fly-half Johan Goosen's shock decision to quit at the age of 24.

French Top 14 champions Racing, boasting All Blacks superstar Dan Carter in their ranks, had already lost to the Scots 23-14 in Paris last weekend.

Friday's defeat left them on three losses in three games in Pool 1 and without a point.

Glasgow, meanwhile, lead the table with 13 points, three ahead of Munster who have played two games fewer and face Leicester on Saturday.

Tries from Josh Strauss, making his 100th Glasgow appearance, Fraser Brown and Ali Price ensured victory with Racing only getting on the scoreboard in the last minute through a try from Xavier Chauveau.

"Conceding 23 points is not that many but we made too many mistakes, never put pressure on them and we weren't good," said Racing's assistant coach Ronan O'Gara.

"We are really disappointed. Zero point after three matches. The Top 14 is so monstrous, we do not sometimes appreciate the level of the European Cup."

Glasgow coach Gregor Townsend lamented the closing stages of the game as his side missed out on what could prove to be a crucial try bonus point.

"The tempo, defence, it was great to see, we continued the momentum in the second half, but we are disappointed not to have played well in the last 25 minutes," he said.

Earlier Friday, Springboks star Goosen was threatened with legal action by Racing after his shock decision to quit the sport and return to South Africa.

The 24-year-old was reported to be taking up a commercial director's job at home, a decision which left Racing fuming.

"Johan Goosen, whose contract was renegotiated less than a year ago, now claims to be releasing himself in an extraordinary manner by announcing he has made the unbelievable decision to return to South Africa for a role of commercial director," said Racing president Jacky Lorenzetti.

"Racing 92 reserves the right for a judicial follow-up to both Johan Goosen and those who advise him."

Fly-half star Goosen was Top 14 player of the year last season as Racing won the French title and reached the European Champions Cup final.

He joined Racing in 2014 from the Cheetahs and has won 13 caps for the Springboks.

"I only found about it on Twitter and I am part of the Racing management team," said O'Gara.

"This has shocked us. When he is in the right frame of mind, we need him."

On Sunday, defending champions Saracens can match the tournament record of 13 consecutive victories, a mark held by Munster since 2007, when they face Sale.

Saracens crushed Sale 50-3 at home last weekend and meet their English rivals again at the AJ Bell Stadium before heading to the Scarlets in Round 5 in Pool 5.

Second-placed Toulon will seek to make it two from two over the Scarlets following their 31-20 home victory.

Pool 2 leaders Wasps hope to complete the double over Connacht after a 32-17 triumph at the Ricoh Arena that included a try and a yellow card for Australian new boy Kurtley Beale.

An away win will be Ulster's goal as well as they look to back up their scintillating 39-32 home victory over previously unbeaten Clermont.

Source: AFP