Glasgow 40-17 Cardiff: Three things we learned

Matthews the hero

Johnny Matthews was quite emotional talking about the tremendous ovation he received from the Glasgow fans as he left the field in the second half of the victory over Cardiff.

The hooker has become a cult hero at Scotstoun in his seven years at the club – for his phenomenal try-scoring exploits, but even more so for his personality.

He marked what could possibly be his last home appearance in Warriors colours before his summer move to France with a couple of tries.

Gregor Hiddleston and Seb Stephen may well be preferred when it come to the playoffs and if this was Matthews' last outing for the club, what a way to sign off.

Destructive Dempsey to the fore again

Another man sailing off into the sunset this summer is Jack Dempsey and the number eight showed Glasgow exactly what they will be missing with another destructive display.

It was Dempsey who got Glasgow on their way with the opening try, charging up the wing for the initial break and then getting himself back into position to crash over when the ball was recycled.

He was a menace to Cardiff in those wide channels all evening and rarely does he go to ground without the attention of at least two defenders.

Glasgow have made moves to compensate for his departure from the back-row, not least the impending arrival of Jamie Ritchie, but Dempsey's bludgeoning carrying will be missed.

Horne brings the tempo

There were a number of reasons why Glasgow were off the boil in the defeats to Toulon, Lions and Stormers, but right at the top of the list was the absence of George Horne.

On his return from injury Horne brought all the energy and tempo that has been missing from Warriors play in recent weeks.

He was quick to every breakdown, either getting the ball away sharply or having a snipe himself, but always keeping the Cardiff defence guessing.

Horne nailed four of his five attempts at goal (the game was done when his final effort drifted wide) and his all-round influence helped his side rediscover their form just when they needed to.