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Glasgow Warriors began their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with two tries prior to half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Additional second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts promised a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant opening win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

The match started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an offload and touch down, extending the home side's lead.

Against difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first time early in the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to score his century for the club. This try capped a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw showed neat skills to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes left.

One last chance came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also includes Saracens and South African 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.

Match Officials

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