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

The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts started strongly and built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors fought back well with two tries before half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Additional after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. A late reply for the hosts set up a tense finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a major opening win.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

The match began with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the action for his cup debut.

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

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A poor kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, they secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the team. That score completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Marius Louw showed good skills to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with time left.

A final chance came for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

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