Glasgow Warriors Impressive in Bonus-Point Win at Sale Sharks in European First Round

The Scottish side kicked off their European campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors fought back admirably with two tries prior to half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late try for the hosts promised a tense finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major opening win.

Warriors Take Control Following Half-Time

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good support line to collect an offload and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Against challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time early in the restart. A misjudged kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. This try capped a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Louw showed good skills to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes left.

One last opportunity came for them from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also includes Saracens 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.

Officials

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