🔗 Share this article

Glasgow Warriors began their Champions Cup 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 the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors fought back admirably with a pair of scores before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Additional second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late reply for Sale promised a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to claim a major opening win.

Warriors Take Control After Interval

The match started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good support line to take an offload and touch down, making Sale's advantage.

Against challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first time early in the restart. A poor kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the club. That score completed a run of 26 unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Louw used good footwork to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes left.

A final opportunity arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

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

Both sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also features the English side and South African team 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 (French).