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

With the elements at their backs, the hosts started strongly and built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Further after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a tense finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a significant first-round victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

The match began with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart angle to take an pass and score, extending Sale's advantage.

Against difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at half-time.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time soon after the second half. A misjudged box-kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score capped a run of 26 unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw used neat 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 22, but they lost the ball, confirming the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).