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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Additional after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to 26-14. A late reply for Sale promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a significant opening win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

Play began with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to take an pass 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 hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

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

Now in the ascendancy, they secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw used neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with time remaining.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features Saracens and South African 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 (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).