🔗 Share this article

Glasgow Warriors began their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts began strongly and built a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow responded well with two tries before half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to twelve points. A late try for Sale promised a tense finish, but the visitors stood strong to claim a major opening victory.

Warriors Take Control Following Half-Time

Play began with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an offload and score, extending Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, they clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale found a lifeline when Marius Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes left.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a strong first pool 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.

Match Officials

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