Glasgow Impressive in Bonus-Point Win at Sale in Champions Cup Opener

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

With the wind at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and raced to a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors responded admirably with a pair of scores before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late reply for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Half-Time

Play started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good angle to take an pass and score, extending the home side's advantage.

Against difficult weather, Glasgow used their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a run of 26 consecutive points.

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

A final chance came for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, confirming Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

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

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes the English side and Durban-based team the Hollywoodbets 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.

Match Officials

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