🔗 Share this article

The Scottish side began their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts started strongly and raced to a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a tense finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a major opening win.

Glasgow Take Control After Interval

Play started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. An early knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to collect an pass and score, making Sale's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A poor box-kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw used good skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time left.

One last chance arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also features Saracens and South African 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.

Officials

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