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Glasgow Warriors began their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

With the elements at their backs, Sale started strongly and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow fought back admirably with two tries before the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Additional second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a tense finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Interval

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an offload and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A misjudged box-kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, they clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the club. That score completed a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Louw showed good skills to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

A final chance came for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens and Durban-based 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 (French).