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

With the wind at their backs, Sale started strongly and built a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors responded well with two tries before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Further after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. A late try for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow held firm to claim a significant first-round win.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

The match began with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good angle to take an pass and score, extending Sale's advantage.

Against challenging weather, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, they clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. That score capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

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

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also includes Saracens 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.

Officials

Referee: Pierre Brousset (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).