Glasgow Warriors Impressive in Four-Try Victory at Sale in Champions Cup First Round

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 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).

Christopher Barker
Christopher Barker

A seasoned business strategist with over a decade of experience in leadership development and corporate transformation.