Glasgow Commanding in Bonus-Point Win at Sale in Champions Cup First Round
Investec Champions Cup Result
Sale Sharks (14) 21
Tries: Van Rhyn, Davies, Louw Conversions: Du Preez (3)
Glasgow Warriors (12) 26
Tries: Hiddleston, Darge, Steyn, McDowall Conversions: Hastings (3)
The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale.
Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.
However, Glasgow fought back admirably 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 tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a tense finish, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant opening win.
Glasgow Seize Initiative After Interval
Play started with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.
The youngster made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to take an pass and score, making Sale's advantage.
Against difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.
Glasgow seized the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A misjudged box-kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.
With in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the club. This try capped a run of 26 unanswered points.
The hosts found a late hope when Louw used neat skills to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes left.
A final chance came for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.
What's Next?
Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.
Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes Saracens and South African team the Hollywoodbets 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.
Officials
Referee: Pierre Brousset (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).