🔗 Share this article

Glasgow Warriors began their European journey in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, Sale started the brighter and raced to a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores before the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Further after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late try for the hosts set up a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an pass and score, extending the home side's advantage.

Facing challenging conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to fight back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first occasion soon after the second half. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the team. This try completed a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts found a late hope when Marius Louw showed neat skills to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also features the English side and South African outfit 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 (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).