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

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale started strongly and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

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

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts set up a tense finale, but the visitors stood strong to secure a significant first-round victory.

Warriors Take Control Following Interval

Play began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good angle to collect an pass and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Against challenging conditions, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the game. A strong line-out drive was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first time soon after the second half. A poor box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the team. That score capped a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw used good skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes left.

A final opportunity came for them from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features the English side and South African 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 (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).