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

With the wind at their backs, the hosts began 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.

But, the visitors responded admirably with a pair of scores before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major opening victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Half-Time

The match began with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart angle to collect an pass and score, making Sale's lead.

Facing challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the team. This try completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw showed neat footwork to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes left.

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

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also features Saracens and Durban-based 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).