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The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, Sale started the brighter and raced to a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors fought back admirably with two tries prior to the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. A late reply for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but the visitors held firm to claim a significant opening victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Interval

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good angle to take an offload and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Against difficult conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time early in the restart. A misjudged box-kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. This try completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Louw showed good footwork to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

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

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed 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.

Match Officials

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