🔗 Share this article

The Scottish side began their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale.

With the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded well with two tries prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late reply for Sale promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a major opening victory.

Glasgow Take Control Following Half-Time

The match began with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an pass and score, making Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first occasion early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who fed 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 score his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Louw showed good skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

A final opportunity came for them from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

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