🔗 Share this article

The Scottish side began their Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts started strongly and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors fought back well with two tries before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Additional after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a nervous finale, but Glasgow held firm to claim a significant opening victory.

Glasgow Take Control Following Interval

The match started with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good angle to take an pass and score, making Sale's lead.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors used their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first time soon after the second half. A poor box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the line.

With in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. This try completed a run of 26 unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes left.

A final chance came for them from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the possession, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

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

The two sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also includes the English side and Durban-based team the 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 (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).