Glasgow Warriors Commanding in Bonus-Point Victory at Sale in European Opener
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)
The Scottish side began their European journey in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale.
Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.
But, the visitors fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.
Additional after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late try for Sale set up a tense finish, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major opening win.
Warriors Take Control Following Half-Time
The match started with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.
Davies made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an offload and score, extending the home side's lead.
Against difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at the interval.
Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the try-line.
Now in the driving seat, they clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his century for the team. That score capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.
Sale gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw used neat skills to score. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes left.
A final opportunity came for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they lost the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.
Looking Ahead
Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.
The two sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also includes the English side and Durban-based outfit 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).