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

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Additional second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major opening victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

The match started with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to take an pass and score, extending Sale's advantage.

Against challenging weather, Glasgow used their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion early in the second half. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the club. That score completed a run of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Marius Louw showed neat skills to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

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

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes Saracens and Durban-based team 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 (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).