🔗 Share this article

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

With the wind at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and raced to a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors responded admirably with two tries before the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for Sale set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant opening win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good angle to take an offload and score, extending Sale's lead.

Against challenging weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the game. A strong line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first occasion early in the restart. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the team. That score completed a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Louw used good skills to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

A final chance came for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they lost the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks 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 placed in a competitive first pool that also features Saracens and Durban-based outfit the Hollywoodbets 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.

Officials

Referee: Pierre Brousset (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).