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

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts began the brighter 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 fought back admirably with two tries before the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Additional after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late try for Sale set up a tense finish, but the visitors held firm to claim a significant opening win.

Warriors Take Control Following Interval

The match began with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart angle to collect an pass and touch down, extending the home side's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. That score completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Louw used neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with time left.

One last chance came for them from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are drawn in a strong first pool 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.

Officials

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