🔗 Share this article

Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European journey in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts began strongly and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Further second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant opening victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Half-Time

The match started with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an pass and touch down, making Sale's advantage.

Facing challenging weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

With in the ascendancy, they secured the bonus point when McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score capped a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Louw showed good skills to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes left.

A final chance arose for them from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive 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.

Match Officials

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