Glasgow Commanding in Four-Try Win at Sale in European First Round

The Scottish side began their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale started the brighter and built a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with two tries prior to the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late reply for Sale set up a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major first-round win.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

The match started with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to take an pass and touch down, making the home side's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to fight back into the game. A powerful driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall powered past a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the club. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Marius Louw used neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time left.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also includes Saracens and Durban-based 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.

Officials

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