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Glasgow Warriors began their Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and raced to a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back admirably with two tries before half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a tense finish, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major opening victory.

Glasgow Take Control Following Interval

The match started with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an offload and touch down, extending Sale's lead.

Against difficult weather, Glasgow used their set-piece to fight back into the game. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time soon after the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the club. This try completed a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

Sale found a lifeline when Marius Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

One last chance arose for them from a throw in the corner, but they lost the ball, confirming Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also includes the English side and Durban-based team the Hollywoodbets 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 (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).