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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 Sharks.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale started the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Further second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to claim a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Interval

The match started with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart angle to collect an offload and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Against challenging conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A misjudged kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, they clinched the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw showed good skills to score. The kick made it a five-point game with time left.

One last opportunity came for them from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

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