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The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts began strongly and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries before the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Additional second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a tense finale, but the visitors held firm to secure a significant first-round win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an pass and score, making Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the game. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, they clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw showed good skills to score. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

One last opportunity arose for them from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

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

The two sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes the English side 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 (French).