Glasgow Impressive in Four-Try Win at Sale in Champions Cup Opener

The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts started strongly and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors responded admirably with two tries before the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a tense finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Half-Time

The match started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

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

Facing challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first time early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the bonus point when McDowall ran through a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw used good skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last opportunity came for Sale from a line-out in the corner, 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. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes 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.

Officials

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