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

With the wind at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

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

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late try for Sale set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major first-round win.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an pass and touch down, extending Sale's advantage.

Against challenging weather, Glasgow used their forward power to fight back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, they clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Marius Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes left.

One last opportunity arose for them from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, confirming Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes the English side and Durban-based outfit 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 (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).