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Glasgow Warriors began their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors fought back admirably with two tries before half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to twelve points. A late try for Sale set up a tense finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a significant first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Interval

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to take an offload and score, making the home side's lead.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time early in the restart. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the club. This try completed a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Louw showed neat skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last opportunity came for them from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the ball, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).