Glasgow Impressive in Four-Try Victory at Sale in European Opener

The Scottish side began their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors fought back admirably with two tries before the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Further after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a tense finish, but the visitors held firm to claim a significant opening win.

Warriors Take Control Following Half-Time

Play started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart angle to take an offload and touch down, making the home side's advantage.

Against difficult weather, Glasgow used their forward power to get back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first time soon after the second half. A poor kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, they clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his century for the club. That score capped a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw used neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes left.

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also includes the English side and South African team the Sharks.

Teams

Sale Sharks: Reed; O'Flaherty, Ma'asi-White, Louw, Wills; Du Preez, Quirke; McIntyre, Jibulu, John, Burrow, Bamber, Vermeulen, Van Rhyn, T Curry.
Replacements: Caine, Onasanya, Harper, Andrews, B Curry, Warr, Davies, Wehr.

Glasgow Warriors: McKay; Steyn, McDowall, Tuipulotu, Smith; Hastings, Horne; McBeth, Hiddleston, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Cummings, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.
Replacements: Stephen, Sutherland, Talakai, Samuel, Brown, Miller, Dobie, Lancaster.

Match Officials

Referee: Pierre Brousset (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).