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The Scottish side began their Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts started strongly and raced to a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores before the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late reply for Sale promised a tense finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major opening victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Interval

Play started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart angle to take an pass and score, extending the home side's advantage.

Against challenging weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, they clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. This try capped a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw used neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time left.

A final chance arose for them from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

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

The two sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also features the English side and South African outfit 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).