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Glasgow Warriors began their Champions Cup campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts started strongly and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for Sale promised a nervous finish, but the visitors held firm to claim a major first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Half-Time

The match began with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an offload and score, making the home side's lead.

Facing challenging conditions, the Warriors used their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time soon after the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

With in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to score his century for the club. This try completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Marius Louw showed neat skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

One last chance came for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also includes the English side and Durban-based team the 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).