Glasgow Commanding in Bonus-Point Victory at Sale Sharks in Champions Cup Opener
Investec Champions Cup Result
Sale Sharks (14) 21
Tries: Van Rhyn, Davies, Louw Conversions: Du Preez (3)
Glasgow Warriors (12) 26
Tries: Hiddleston, Darge, Steyn, McDowall Conversions: Hastings (3)
The Scottish side began their Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale.
With the elements at their backs, Sale began the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.
However, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.
Additional after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a tense finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a significant opening win.
Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval
The match began with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.
Davies made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to take an offload and touch down, extending the home side's advantage.
Facing challenging conditions, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.
The Scottish club seized the lead for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the try-line.
With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. That score capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.
Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw showed good footwork to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.
One last chance arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they lost the ball, confirming Glasgow's victory.
Looking Ahead
Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.
The two sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also features Saracens and Durban-based outfit 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).