Glasgow Impressive in Four-Try Win at Sale in Champions Cup First Round
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 campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.
With the wind at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.
But, the visitors fought back well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the gap.
Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a significant first-round victory.
Warriors Take Control Following Half-Time
The match began with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. An early injury to centre Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the fray for his cup debut.
The youngster made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an pass and touch down, making Sale's advantage.
Against difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at the interval.
The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the try-line.
With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his century for the team. That score capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.
The hosts found a late hope when Louw showed neat skills to score. The kick made it a one-score game with time remaining.
One last chance came for them from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing the Warriors' victory.
Looking Ahead
Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.
Both sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also includes Saracens and Durban-based team 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.
Officials
Referee: Pierre Brousset (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).