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Glasgow Warriors began their Champions Cup campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built 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 prior to the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Further second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a nervous finish, but the visitors held firm to claim a significant first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

Play started with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. An early knock to centre 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 ran a good angle to collect an offload and score, extending Sale's advantage.

Against difficult conditions, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

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

A final chance came for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

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

The two sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also includes the English side 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.

Officials

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