🔗 Share this article

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

With the wind at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major opening win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

The match began with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to collect an pass and score, making the home side's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at half-time.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first time soon after the second half. A poor kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, they clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the team. This try completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Louw showed neat skills to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes left.

One last opportunity arose for them from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the possession, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes Saracens and Durban-based outfit the Sharks.

Teams

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).