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The Scottish side began their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale started strongly and raced to a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back well with a pair of scores before the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Further second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late reply for the hosts set up a tense finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major opening win.

Warriors Take Control Following Half-Time

Play began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

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

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes left.

A final chance arose for them from a throw in the corner, but they lost the ball, sealing Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also features Saracens 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 (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).