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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Additional after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for Sale promised a nervous finale, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Half-Time

The match began with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good support line to collect an pass and score, extending Sale's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first time early in the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. This try completed a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw showed good skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last chance came for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

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

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes the English side and South African team the Hollywoodbets Sharks.

Line-ups

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