Glasgow Commanding in Four-Try Win at Sale 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 European campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try win on the road against Sale.
Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale began the brighter and raced to a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.
However, the visitors fought back well with two tries prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.
Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to secure a significant opening victory.
Glasgow Take Control After Interval
The match began with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his cup debut.
The youngster made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a good angle to collect an offload and score, extending the home side's advantage.
Against challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at the interval.
The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first time soon after the second half. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the try-line.
With in the ascendancy, they secured the fourth try when McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the team. That score capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.
The hosts found a late hope when Marius Louw used good skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time left.
One last opportunity came for them from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.
Looking Ahead
Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.
The two sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes Saracens and South African outfit the 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 (France).