🔗 Share this article

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

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts began strongly and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors fought back well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late try for the hosts set up a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control Following Interval

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an offload and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Against difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A poor kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, they clinched the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. That score completed a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw showed good skills to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with time remaining.

A final chance arose for them from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the ball, confirming the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also features the English side and Durban-based outfit 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).