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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their Champions Cup campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores before half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Additional after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to twelve points. A late try for Sale set up a tense finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a significant opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Half-Time

Play started with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to take an pass and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Facing challenging conditions, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to get back into the game. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. That score capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw used neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

A final opportunity came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also includes the English side and Durban-based team 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.

Officials

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