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The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, Sale began the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors responded admirably with two tries prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Further second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. A late reply for Sale set up a nervous finish, but the visitors held firm to claim a significant opening victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Interval

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to take an offload and touch down, making the home side's advantage.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

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

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. This try completed a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw used good skills to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with time remaining.

One last chance came for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also features the English side and Durban-based 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.

Officials

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