🔗 Share this article

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

With the wind at their backs, Sale started the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow fought back well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Further second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to 26-14. A late reply for Sale promised a nervous finale, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major opening victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Half-Time

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good angle to collect an offload and score, making Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at the interval.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the bonus point when McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the club. This try completed a run of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw showed neat skills to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also includes Saracens and Durban-based outfit 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).