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The Scottish side began their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts began strongly and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors responded admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Further second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a tense finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a major opening victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

The match started with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart angle to collect an offload and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Against challenging conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Louw used neat skills to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes left.

One last opportunity came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

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

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