Glasgow Impressive in Four-Try Win at Sale in Champions Cup First Round

The Scottish side kicked off their European campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts started strongly and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors fought back admirably with two tries prior to the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to claim a major opening victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Half-Time

Play began with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an offload and score, extending the home side's lead.

Against difficult conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion early in the second half. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his century for the team. This try completed a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Louw used good skills to score. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last opportunity came for them from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes Saracens and Durban-based outfit 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 (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).