🔗 Share this article

Glasgow Warriors began their European campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and raced to a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Further after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale set up a nervous finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major first-round win.

Warriors Take Control Following Interval

The match started with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an offload and score, making the home side's advantage.

Against difficult weather, Glasgow used their forward power to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. This try capped a run of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw showed neat skills to score. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes left.

A final chance came for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens and South African team the Hollywoodbets 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).