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The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow responded admirably with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Additional after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to 26-14. A late try for the hosts set up a tense finish, but the visitors held firm to claim a major first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

The match started with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good angle to collect an pass and score, extending the home side's advantage.

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

Glasgow seized the lead for the first time early in the second half. A poor box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a run of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with time remaining.

A final opportunity came for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

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

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

Officials

Referee: Pierre Brousset (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).