Glasgow Warriors Commanding in Four-Try Victory at Sale in European 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 perfect fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale.
Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.
But, Glasgow fought back well with two tries before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.
Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts promised a tense finale, but the visitors held firm to secure a major first-round victory.
Glasgow Take Control After Half-Time
The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.
The youngster made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to take an offload and touch down, making the home side's advantage.
Against challenging weather, the Warriors used their forward power to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.
The Scottish club took the advantage for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the line.
With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his century for the team. This try completed a sequence of 26 consecutive points.
Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw used neat skills to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with time left.
A final opportunity came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the possession, confirming Glasgow's victory.
Looking Ahead
Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.
Both sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also features the English side and South African outfit 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).