Glasgow Warriors Impressive in Bonus-Point Victory at Sale Sharks in Champions Cup Opener

The Scottish side began their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale started the brighter and raced to a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries before the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. A late reply for Sale set up a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a significant first-round victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

The match started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an pass and touch down, making Sale's advantage.

Against difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to fight back into the game. A powerful driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the club. This try capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts found a late hope when Marius Louw used neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

A final opportunity came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens and South African team the Hollywoodbets 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).