🔗 Share this article

Glasgow Warriors began their European journey in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, Sale began the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow fought back well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Additional second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale promised a tense finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major opening win.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Interval

Play started with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart angle to collect an pass and score, extending Sale's advantage.

Facing challenging conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, they clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw showed neat skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes left.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also features the English side and South African team the Hollywoodbets 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).