Glasgow Impressive in Four-Try Victory at Sale Sharks in European First Round

The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Further after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late reply for Sale promised a nervous finale, but the visitors held firm to secure a major opening victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Half-Time

Play started with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the action for his European debut.

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

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first time soon after the second half. A poor kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the team. That score completed a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale found a lifeline when Marius Louw showed neat skills to score. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.

One last opportunity came for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also features the English side and South African outfit the Hollywoodbets 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 (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).