Glasgow Warriors overcome 14-point deficit to win 26-21

Sale Sharks 21-26 Glasgow Warriors, CorpAcq Stadium

Glasgow Warriors pulled off a dramatic comeback at the CorpAcq Stadium, overturning a 14-point deficit to beat the Sharks 26-21 in their opening Investec Champions Cup pool clash.

The win also secured a bonus point for the visitors, who showed composure and control after a difficult start.

Sharks began strongly and were rewarded after just three minutes. Captain Ernst van Rhyn powered over from close range after a sequence of pick-and-go drives, with Rob du Preez converting for 7-0.

The lead doubled inside 20 minutes when Arron Reed broke through midfield and fed replacement Ollie Davies, who finished under the posts for 14-0.

Glasgow struggled to get territory early on but found a way back before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston struck first, crashing over from a five-metre lineout.

Moments later, continued pressure brought another chance and Hiddleston assisted Rory Darge who forced his way over. Adam Hastings converted the second, reducing the gap to 14-12 at the break.

The second half turned the match on its head. A loose box-kick was collected by Warriors captain Kyle Steyn, who stepped through the Sharks defence to score under the posts. Hastings added the extras to put his side ahead for the first time at 19-14.

Glasgow then showed complete control, and Stafford McDowall celebrated his 100th club appearance by powering over for their fourth try in the 54th minute. Another successful conversion stretched the lead to 26-14.

Sharks refused to fade and hit back with 65 minutes gone when Marius Louw forced his way over under the posts, bringing it back to 26-21.

The home side earned a late lineout inside the Glasgow 22, but the throw went astray and the chance disappeared. Glasgow closed out the final moments calmly to secure all five points.

Team line up:

Sale: Reed; O'Flaherty, Ma'asi-White, Louw, Wills; Du Preez, Quirke; McIntyre, Jibulu, John, Burrow, Bamber, Vermeulen, Van Rhyn, T Curry.

Reserves: Caine, Onasanya, Harper, Andrews, B Curry, Warr, Davies, Wehr.

Glasgow: McKay; Steyn, McDowall, Tuipulotu, Smith; Hastings, Horne; McBeth, Hiddleston, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Cummings, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.

Reserves: Stephen, Sutherland, Talakai, Samuel, Brown, Miller, Dobie, Lancaster.