Glasgow Warriors Impressive in Bonus-Point Win at Sale in Champions Cup Opener

Rugby action from the match
Stafford McDowall celebrates on his 100th appearance for the Warriors.

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 Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale began the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with two tries before the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts set up a tense finish, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major opening victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Interval

The match started with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to take an offload and touch down, extending the home side's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first time early in the restart. A poor kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the club. That score completed a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

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

A final opportunity came for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

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

The two sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also features Saracens and South African team 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.

Officials

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

Nicholas Townsend
Nicholas Townsend

A seasoned esports analyst and coach with over a decade of experience in competitive gaming strategies.