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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale began strongly and built 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 fought back well with two tries before the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Further after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a tense finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a significant opening victory.

Warriors Take Control Following Interval

Play began with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good angle to take an offload and score, making the home side's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first occasion early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a run of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts found a late hope when Marius Louw used good footwork to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

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

Officials

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