Glasgow Commanding in Four-Try Win at Sale 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 European journey in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.
Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale started strongly and built a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.
However, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the gap.
Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant first-round win.
Warriors Seize Initiative Following Interval
Play began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the fray for his European debut.
The youngster made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to take an pass and touch down, making Sale's lead.
Against challenging conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at the interval.
Glasgow seized the advantage for the first time soon after the second half. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.
With in the ascendancy, they secured the fourth try when McDowall ran through a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.
The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Louw showed good skills to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.
A final opportunity came for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.
What's Next?
Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.
The two sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also includes the English side and Durban-based 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).