Glasgow Warriors Commanding in Bonus-Point Win at Sale Sharks in European First Round

Rugby action from the match
Stafford McDowall scores on his 100th appearance 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 kicked off their Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts started strongly and built a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries before the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major opening victory.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

Play began with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart angle to collect an offload and touch down, extending the home side's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his century for the club. This try completed a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

One last opportunity came for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features the English side 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.

Match Officials

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

Charles Sullivan
Charles Sullivan

Lena is a tech enthusiast and travel blogger who shares her experiences and insights on modern living and digital innovations.