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The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts started strongly and built a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back admirably with two tries before the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late reply for the hosts set up a tense finale, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant opening victory.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

Play started with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an pass and score, extending the home side's advantage.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first time early in the restart. A misjudged box-kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his century for the club. This try capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Louw showed neat footwork to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

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

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also features the English side and South African outfit the Sharks.

Teams

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 (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).