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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.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded admirably with a pair of scores before the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Additional second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late reply for the hosts promised a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

Play started with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good angle to collect an offload and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Facing challenging conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the game. A strong line-out drive was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow took the lead for the first occasion soon after the second half. A poor box-kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score capped a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw used neat skills to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with time left.

A final opportunity came for them from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also features Saracens and South African team the 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).