🔗 Share this article

The Scottish side began their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and raced to a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries before half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. A late reply for the hosts set up a nervous finale, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant first-round win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Half-Time

Play started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

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

Against challenging weather, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the game. A strong line-out drive was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time soon after the second half. A poor box-kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to score his century for the team. This try completed a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Louw showed good footwork to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with time left.

One last chance came for them from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also includes the English side and South African team the 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).