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

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale started the brighter and raced to a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors responded admirably with two tries before the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Further second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. A late try for Sale set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Half-Time

Play started with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to take an offload and score, making Sale's lead.

Against difficult conditions, Glasgow used their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time soon after the second half. A poor kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the line.

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

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Louw used neat skills to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

A final chance came for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes Saracens and South African outfit 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).