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The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts started strongly and built a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded well with two tries prior to half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Additional after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a tense finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control Following Half-Time

The match started with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good support line to take an offload and score, extending Sale's lead.

Against challenging weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first time soon after the second half. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. That score completed a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw used good footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes left.

One last chance arose for them from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also features the English side and Durban-based outfit the Hollywoodbets 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.

Match Officials

Referee: Pierre Brousset (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).