Johnny Matthews didn't mince words about Glasgow Warriors' recent struggles—and their emphatic response. After a three-game losing streak that saw them bounced from the Champions Cup quarter-finals by Toulon and hammered in back-to-back URC matches against the Lions and Stormers in South Africa, the Warriors needed a statement. They delivered.

Matthews scored two tries as Glasgow dispatched Cardiff 40-17 at Scotstoun, reclaiming the top spot in the URC standings. "We were hurting quite a lot after we didn't give the best account of ourselves in South Africa," Matthews told BBC Scotland. "We knew we had to come back and put a performance on for the fans. To put 40 points on a very good Cardiff team was something we needed as a group."

The bonus-point victory wasn't just about getting back on track—it was about taking control. With the regular season winding down, every point matters in the race for playoff positioning. "It's back in our hands," Matthews added. "We know we've got to go to Ulster next week and get five points if we want that top spot. We know as a group we've got that in us."

For Matthews, the win carried extra emotion. In what was his last regular-season home appearance before heading to French side Montauban this summer, the hooker received a thunderous ovation from the Scotstoun faithful as he left the pitch in the second half. "It was brilliant to get that ovation when I was coming off. It's something I'll always cherish," he said. "I've spent seven years here and I've loved every minute of it. To be able to get that moment was truly special for me."

With momentum restored and destiny in their hands, Glasgow now head to Ulster knowing a five-point haul could lock down the top seed. For a team that looked down and out just weeks ago, the turnaround has been nothing short of impressive—and Matthews and his teammates are ready to finish the job.