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

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale started strongly and raced to a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors responded well with two tries before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a significant first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

The match started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an pass and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Facing challenging conditions, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the game. A powerful driving maul was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at half-time.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first time early in the restart. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.

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

The hosts found a late hope when Louw showed good footwork to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.

A final chance came for them from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features Saracens and South African team the 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).