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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.

With the wind at their backs, Sale started strongly and raced to a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back admirably with two tries before the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a significant opening victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

The match started with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good angle to collect an offload and score, making the home side's advantage.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow used their forward power to fight back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A poor kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the club. This try completed a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw showed neat skills to score. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes left.

A final chance arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also features the English side and Durban-based team the 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.

Match Officials

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