🔗 Share this article

The Scottish side kicked off their European campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Additional after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late reply for the hosts set up a nervous finale, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major opening victory.

Glasgow Take Control Following Half-Time

Play started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the fray for his European debut.

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

Against challenging conditions, Glasgow used their set-piece to fight back into the game. A powerful driving maul was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at the interval.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, they secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the team. That score capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Louw showed good skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last chance came for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the ball, confirming Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also includes 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).