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The Scottish side began their Champions Cup journey in perfect 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 advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Further second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a major first-round win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

Play began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to collect an pass and touch down, making the home side's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, Glasgow used their forward power to fight back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at half-time.

Glasgow took the lead for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the team. This try capped a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with time left.

One last chance arose for them from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. 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 features Saracens 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).