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

With the elements at their backs, Sale started strongly and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Additional second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. A late try for the hosts set up a tense finale, but the visitors held firm to claim a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

Play began with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to take an pass and touch down, making the home side's advantage.

Against difficult conditions, the Warriors turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first time soon after the second half. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw used good footwork to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with time left.

A final chance arose for them from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also includes Saracens and Durban-based 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).