Glasgow Warriors Commanding in Bonus-Point Victory at Sale Sharks 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 kicked off their Champions Cup campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.
With the wind at their backs, Sale started strongly and raced to a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.
But, the visitors fought back admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.
Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a tense finish, but the visitors stood strong to claim a major first-round win.
Glasgow Seize Initiative After Half-Time
Play started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his European debut.
Davies made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good angle to take an pass and touch down, making the home side's lead.
Facing difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong line-out drive was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at half-time.
Glasgow took the lead for the first occasion early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the line.
Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the team. That score completed a run of twenty-six unanswered points.
The hosts found a lifeline when Louw showed neat skills to score. The kick made it a one-score game with time remaining.
One last chance came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.
What's Next?
Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.
Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features Saracens and South African team 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).