Glasgow Warriors Commanding in Four-Try Victory at Sale in Champions Cup First Round
Investec Champions Cup Result
Sale Sharks (14) 21
Tries: Van Rhyn, Davies, Louw Conversions: Du Preez (3)
Glasgow Warriors (12) 26
Tries: Hiddleston, Darge, Steyn, McDowall Conversions: Hastings (3)
Glasgow Warriors began their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale.
Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts started strongly and raced to a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.
But, Glasgow fought back well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.
Further second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late try for Sale promised a tense finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant opening win.
Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval
The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his European debut.
The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good angle to collect an pass and score, extending the home side's advantage.
Facing difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at the interval.
Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.
With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his century for the team. That score completed a run of 26 consecutive points.
The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw showed good skills to score. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.
A final chance came for them from a throw in the 22, but they lost the ball, sealing Glasgow's victory.
What's Next?
Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.
Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features the English side and South African 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.
Officials
Referee: Pierre Brousset (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).