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

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale started the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow fought back well with two tries before the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. A late reply for Sale promised a nervous finale, but the visitors held firm to claim a major first-round win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

Play started with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an offload and score, making Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow used their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first occasion early in the second half. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to break 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 100th appearance for the team. That score capped a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw showed good footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last opportunity arose for them from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

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

Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes Saracens and South African team 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).