🔗 Share this article

Glasgow Warriors kicked off 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 began strongly and built a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors fought back well with two tries prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a major opening victory.

Glasgow Take Control Following Interval

The match began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a good angle to take an pass and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Against difficult weather, Glasgow used their set-piece to fight back into the game. A powerful driving maul was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at the interval.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first time soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the line.

With in the ascendancy, they clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. That score completed a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Marius Louw showed good footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).