Glasgow Commanding in Bonus-Point Win at Sale Sharks in Champions Cup Opener
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 elements at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and raced to a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.
But, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.
Further after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a nervous finale, but Glasgow held firm to claim a significant first-round victory.
Glasgow Take Control Following Half-Time
Play began with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.
Davies made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an pass and score, making the home side's lead.
Facing difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at the interval.
Glasgow took the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the line.
With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall ran through a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.
The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Louw used good skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time left.
A final opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the ball, confirming Glasgow's victory.
What's Next?
Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.
Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes the English side 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.
Officials
Referee: Pierre Brousset (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).