🔗 Share this article

The Scottish side began their Champions Cup campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale started strongly and built a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back admirably with two tries prior to the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. A late try for the hosts promised a tense finish, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Interval

Play started with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a good angle to collect an offload and touch down, extending the home side's advantage.

Against difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first time early in the second half. A poor box-kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the club. This try completed a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Louw used neat skills to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

A final chance arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also includes Saracens and Durban-based outfit 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.

Officials

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