Glasgow Impressive in Bonus-Point Win at Sale Sharks in Champions Cup Opener

Glasgow Warriors began their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, Sale started the brighter and built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Further after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a tense finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major opening win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Half-Time

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

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

Against challenging weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the line.

With in the driving seat, they clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. This try completed a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw showed neat skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

A final opportunity came for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also features Saracens and Durban-based 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.

Match Officials

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