🔗 Share this article

Glasgow Warriors kicked off their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, Sale began the brighter and built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Additional after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. A late try for the hosts promised a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to claim a significant opening win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Interval

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to take an pass and touch down, extending the home side's lead.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion early in the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the club. This try capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Marius Louw showed neat footwork to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with time left.

One last chance arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens and South African team the 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).