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Glasgow Warriors began their Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale.

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

But, Glasgow fought back well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late try for Sale set up a tense finale, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a major opening win.

Warriors Take Control Following Interval

Play began with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to centre Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good support line to collect an pass and touch down, extending Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow took the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the team. This try completed a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Marius Louw used neat skills to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with time left.

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also features the English side and Durban-based team 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).