Glasgow Commanding in Bonus-Point Win at Sale Sharks in Champions Cup Opener

Rugby action from the match
Stafford McDowall scores in a milestone match for Glasgow.

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 began their Champions Cup campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale.

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

But, the visitors responded well with two tries before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late try for the hosts promised a tense finale, but the visitors stood strong to claim a major first-round victory.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

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

The youngster made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good support line to take an offload and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Facing challenging weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first time soon after the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. This try capped a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Marius Louw showed good skills to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes left.

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

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens and Durban-based 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).

Wayne Hall
Wayne Hall

Wildlife biologist and conservationist with over a decade of experience studying sloths in Central and South America.