Monday 25 May 2015 17:45, UK
Glasgow's try-scoring hero DTH van der Merwe praised 22 year old fly-half Finn Russell for the conversion that took Glasgow into the Pro12 final, but says he was unable to watch Russell slot the conversion.
With Glasgow trailing by 5 points with four minutes remaining, Finn Russell spun a perfect pass to winger DTH van der Merwe, who crossed the line to bring his side level with Ulster. It was then up to Russell to slot the conversion attempt to take the lead and ultimately win the game, and the Scottish fly-half made no mistake.
Canada international van der Merwe says it was impossible to watch the conversion attempt.
"I couldn't even look as Finn lined up that kick at the end", said van der Merwe. "I just stared at the ground and listened for the crowd.
"I don't like those kind of situations, I'm just so glad he made it.
"For a young guy to have so much pressure on his shoulders and still make it shows the quality we have in this team.
The 32-cap international was not expected to be fit in time for the play-off encounter, after breaking two bones in his hand in April. However he made a stunning recovery in time for the match.
"If you saw me after the final whistle I was an absolute mess. It means everything to have got myself fit again and then scored that try.
Van der Merwe was full of praise for his colleagues and the patience they showed in keeping their side in the game.
"Great teams are sides that when things don't go their way, like it did most of Friday night for us, they still find a way through.
"It speaks volumes for us that we hung in there even though we were behind for most of the night. We kept it close and waited for the momentum to shift before capitalising on it
Having signed for Scarlets as of next season, the try at the death was to be his final score for Glasgow at the Scotstoun Stadium. It was a fitting finale for the winger, but the South African-born van der Merwe insists he wants to take it one step further before he leaves the city.
"Glasgow has been my home for the last six years - I've actually lived here longer than I've lived in Canada. My wife is from here, my little girl was born here.
"It's a great club with a great bunch of guys, great coaches, a great support. I couldn't say more about this club and I'm just glad I was able to be part of the puzzle.
"It would be the perfect way to sign off by leading the club to the Pro12 title."
