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Glasgow Warriors began their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale started strongly and built a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Further second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a tense finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a significant first-round win.

Glasgow Take Control After Half-Time

The match started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart angle to collect an pass and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A strong driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A misjudged kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the team. This try completed a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw showed good footwork to score. The kick made it a five-point game with time left.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

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

The two sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also features the English side and Durban-based team the 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).