Glasgow Warriors Impressive in Bonus-Point Victory at Sale Sharks in Champions Cup Opener
Investec Champions Cup Result
Sale Sharks (14) 21
Tries: Van Rhyn, Davies, Louw Conversions: Du Preez (3)
Glasgow Warriors (12) 26
Tries: Hiddleston, Darge, Steyn, McDowall Conversions: Hastings (3)
The Scottish side 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 wind at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and built a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.
But, the visitors responded admirably with two tries before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.
Additional after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late try for Sale promised a tense finale, but the visitors held firm to claim a major opening win.
Glasgow Take Control Following Half-Time
The match began with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.
The youngster made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to collect an pass and touch down, extending Sale's lead.
Against difficult conditions, the Warriors used their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.
Glasgow seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the try-line.
Now in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the team. That score capped a run of twenty-six consecutive points.
Sale gave themselves a late hope when Louw used neat skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes left.
One last opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.
What's Next?
Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.
Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes the English side and Durban-based outfit the 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 (France).