🔗 Share this article

The Scottish side began their Champions Cup campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts began strongly and built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow fought back well with two tries before the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Further second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for Sale set up a tense finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a major opening victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Interval

Play began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an pass and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.

Now in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when McDowall ran through a tackle to score his century for the team. That score completed a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Marius Louw showed good footwork to score. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes left.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes 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.

Officials

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