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

With the wind at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and raced to a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow responded well with two tries before half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Additional after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a nervous finish, but the visitors held firm to claim a major opening win.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

Play began with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good angle to collect an pass and score, making Sale's lead.

Against difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the line.

With in the driving seat, they secured the fourth try when McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw used neat footwork to score. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

One last chance came for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

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

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens and South African outfit the Hollywoodbets 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 (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).