🔗 Share this article

The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts began strongly and raced to a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors fought back admirably with two tries before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Additional second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late try for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but the visitors stood strong to claim a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Half-Time

Play began with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to take an offload and score, making Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow used their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first time early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, they clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the club. This try completed a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale found a lifeline when Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time left.

One last opportunity came for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also features Saracens and Durban-based team the Hollywoodbets 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 (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).