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

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale started the brighter and raced to a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Additional second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a tense finish, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a significant opening victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Interval

Play started with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart angle to collect an offload and score, making Sale's lead.

Facing challenging conditions, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to get back into the game. A strong line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his century for the team. That score completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Louw showed good skills to score. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes left.

One last chance arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also features Saracens and South African team 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 (French).