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

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

But, the visitors fought back well with two tries prior to half-time. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts promised a tense finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant first-round win.

Glasgow Take Control Following Interval

Play started with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a good angle to take an pass and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Against challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to get back into the game. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first occasion soon after the second half. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, they clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. This try completed a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

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

A final chance arose for them from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

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

The two sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also includes Saracens and Durban-based outfit 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).