🔗 Share this article

Glasgow Warriors began their Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, Sale began strongly and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back admirably with two tries prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a nervous finale, but the visitors held firm to secure a major opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

The match began with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an pass and score, making the home side's advantage.

Against challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. That score capped a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw showed good skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

One last chance came for them from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the ball, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also features Saracens and Durban-based 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.

Officials

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