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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale.

With the elements at their backs, Sale began the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow responded admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Further second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late reply for Sale promised a nervous finish, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major first-round win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to take an offload and score, making the home side's advantage.

Against challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at the interval.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first time early in the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the club. This try capped a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

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

A final chance arose 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 next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also features 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.

Officials

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