Glasgow Warriors Commanding in Bonus-Point Victory 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 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).