🔗 Share this article

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

With the elements at their backs, Sale started the brighter and raced to a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to 26-14. A late reply for Sale set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a major opening win.

Warriors Take Control After Interval

Play began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart angle to collect an offload and score, extending the home side's lead.

Facing challenging conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the club. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Louw used neat skills to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes left.

A final opportunity arose for them from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also features 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 (French).