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The Scottish side began their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries prior to half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a nervous finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a significant first-round win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

The match started with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an offload and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow used their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory 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 time early in the restart. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the club. That score completed a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with time remaining.

A final chance came for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they lost the ball, confirming Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

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

The two sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also includes Saracens and Durban-based outfit the Hollywoodbets 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).