🔗 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 strongly and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale promised a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major first-round win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to collect an pass and score, making Sale's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors used their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time soon after the second half. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a tackle to score his century for the club. This try capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw showed good footwork to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with time remaining.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also features Saracens and South African 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).