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

With the wind at their backs, Sale began strongly and built a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow fought back well with two tries before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Additional second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late reply for Sale promised a tense finish, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant opening win.

Glasgow Take Control Following Interval

Play began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to take an offload and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

Now in the driving seat, they clinched the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Louw showed good footwork to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with time remaining.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they lost the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also features the English side and South African team the 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 (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).