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The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

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

However, the visitors responded well with two tries before half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to 26-14. A late try for the hosts promised a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major opening win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Interval

The match started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart angle to take an offload and score, making Sale's advantage.

Against difficult conditions, the Warriors turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw showed good footwork to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.

One last chance arose for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes the English side and South African 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).