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

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts started strongly and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts set up a nervous finale, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Interval

Play started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an pass and touch down, extending the home side's advantage.

Against challenging weather, the Warriors used their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the team. This try completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

Sale found a lifeline when Marius Louw used good footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes left.

One last chance came for Sale 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 Warriors 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 outfit 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.

Officials

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