🔗 Share this article

Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European journey in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale began the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow fought back well with two tries prior to the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Additional after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late try for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant opening win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

Play began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an pass and touch down, making the home side's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to fight back into the game. A powerful driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, they clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Louw used good footwork to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes left.

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also includes the English side 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.

Match Officials

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