Glasgow Warriors Commanding in Four-Try Win at Sale in European Opener
Investec Champions Cup Result
Sale Sharks (14) 21
Tries: Van Rhyn, Davies, Louw Conversions: Du Preez (3)
Glasgow Warriors (12) 26
Tries: Hiddleston, Darge, Steyn, McDowall Conversions: Hastings (3)
The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.
With the wind at their backs, Sale started strongly and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.
But, Glasgow fought back admirably with two tries before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.
Further second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a nervous finale, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major opening victory.
Glasgow Take Control Following Half-Time
Play began with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.
Davies made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an pass and touch down, extending Sale's lead.
Against difficult conditions, the Warriors used their forward power to fight back into the contest. A strong driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at the interval.
The Scottish club seized the lead for the first time early in the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.
Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to score his century for the club. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.
Sale found a lifeline when Marius Louw used neat footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes left.
A final chance arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.
What's Next?
Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.
Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes Saracens 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.
Officials
Referee: Pierre Brousset (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).