Glasgow Warriors Impressive in Four-Try Victory at Sale Sharks in European Opener

The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale began the brighter and raced to a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow fought back well with a pair of scores before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late try for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major first-round victory.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

Play started with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an pass and score, making the home side's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors used their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the club. This try completed a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw showed good footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time left.

One last opportunity came for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also includes Saracens 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.

Match Officials

Referee: Pierre Brousset (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).