Glasgow Warriors secured a bonus-point win over Sale Sharks in their Champions Cup clash at the CorpAcq Stadium, a match shadowed by a tribute to the late Sale lock Hyron Andrews. Before kickoff, players and fans observed a minute’s silence for Andrews, who died suddenly at the Johannesburg Lions’ team hotel ahead of a Champions Cup match at La Rochelle.
The game opened with Sale showing early aggression, Ben Curry breaking off a maul to score, catching Glasgow off guard. Arron Reed added a second try for Sale after slick handling down the flank. But Glasgow responded when a penalty try was awarded after a maul infringement forced Gus Warr into the sin-bin. Sale’s Tom Roebuck joined Warr in the bin after tripping Glasgow captain Kyle Steyn.
Glasgow took advantage of their numerical edge when Steyn sprinted down the wing to score. Scotland’s Jamie Dobie then produced a fine finish to put Glasgow back in front following a George Ford penalty that had edged Sale ahead again. The visitors pressed on, Alex Craig powering over from close range to keep momentum.
Rekeiti Ma’asi-White crossed for Sale after sustained pressure, but Glasgow’s Joe Carpenter set up Arron Reed to respond with a maul try. Sale’s replacements made an impact in the closing stages, with Ollie Smith and Ottavio Tuipulotu both scoring tries to secure an extra bonus point under the tournament’s new rule awarding teams that score three more tries than their opponents.
Glasgow’s victory marked an important statement after last season’s Champions Cup quarter-final defeat to Toulon at Scotstoun. They had been among the favourites following a clean sweep of bonus-point wins in last year’s pool stage, including a comeback win over Sale. Franco Smith’s side, aiming for a deep European run, fought hard but could not match Glasgow’s finishing power.
Sale’s lineup included Joe Carpenter, Tom Roebuck, Ma’asi-White, Arron Reed, and Ben Curry, with Ford directing play at fly-half. Glasgow’s starting XV featured Rowe in goal, with Steyn captaining and Tuipulotu, Dobie, and Lancaster in the backline. Both teams made several substitutions as the match wore on.
George Ford landed two conversions and a penalty for Sale, while Glasgow’s George Horne converted four tries. The match officials were Gareth Newman and Lucas Yendle from Wales.
The second round of Champions Cup fixtures will take place in December, with Glasgow hosting Pau while Sale travel to Dublin to face Leinster.
According to BBC Sports.
