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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and built a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors fought back admirably with two tries before the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Further second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a tense finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a significant first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an pass and touch down, making Sale's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first time early in the restart. A misjudged box-kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. That score capped a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

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

One last chance arose for them from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also features the English side and Durban-based outfit 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 (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).