Glasgow Warriors Impressive in Four-Try Victory 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 journey in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.
With the elements at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.
But, the visitors fought back well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.
Additional after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to 26-14. A late reply for the hosts set up a tense finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant first-round win.
Warriors Seize Initiative Following Interval
The match started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.
Davies made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to take an pass and touch down, making the home side's lead.
Facing difficult conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at the interval.
The Scottish club took the lead for the first time early in the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the line.
With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall ran through a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the club. This try capped a run of twenty-six consecutive points.
The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw showed good footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.
One last chance came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the possession, confirming Glasgow's triumph.
What's Next?
Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.
Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also features the English side and Durban-based outfit the Hollywoodbets 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).