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

With the wind at their backs, Sale began the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow fought back well with two tries before half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Additional after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale set up a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a significant first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Half-Time

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an offload and touch down, extending Sale's lead.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors used their forward power to fight back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time early in the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the team. That score completed a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw used good skills to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

A final chance arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

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

The two sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also includes Saracens and Durban-based team 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).