🔗 Share this article

Glasgow Warriors began their Champions Cup campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale started the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Additional second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. A late reply for Sale promised a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a significant first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Half-Time

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart angle to collect an offload and touch down, extending Sale's advantage.

Against challenging weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to fight back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first time soon after the restart. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. That score completed a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Louw showed neat skills to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.

A final chance arose for them from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also features Saracens and Durban-based team the Sharks.

Line-ups

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).