Glasgow Warriors Impressive in Four-Try Victory at Sale 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 European journey in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.
Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.
However, the visitors responded admirably with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.
Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow held firm to claim a significant opening victory.
Warriors Take Control Following Interval
Play began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range 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.
The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to take an offload and score, extending Sale's lead.
Against difficult conditions, Glasgow used their forward power to fight back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at half-time.
The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.
With in the driving seat, they clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the club. This try capped a sequence of 26 unanswered points.
The hosts found a lifeline when Louw showed neat skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.
One last opportunity arose for them from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.
Looking Ahead
Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.
The two sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also features the English side and Durban-based team 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 (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).