Glasgow Warriors Impressive in Bonus-Point Victory at Sale Sharks in Champions Cup First Round

The Scottish side began their European journey in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts started strongly and built a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors fought back admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Further second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale set up a tense finish, but the visitors held firm to claim a significant opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Interval

Play started with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to collect an offload and score, extending Sale's lead.

Against difficult weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first occasion early in the restart. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, they secured the fourth try when McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the team. That score completed a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw used neat skills to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes left.

One last chance came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

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

The two sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also features Saracens 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.

Officials

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