Glasgow Warriors Commanding in Bonus-Point Victory at Sale in Champions Cup 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 began their Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Additional after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Half-Time

The match began with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to collect an pass and touch down, extending Sale's lead.

Facing challenging weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at the interval.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time soon after the second half. A poor box-kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall ran through a tackle to score his century for the team. This try completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw used good skills to score. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also features Saracens and South African team 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.

Match Officials

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

Kimberly Brown
Kimberly Brown

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