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Glasgow Warriors began their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and raced to a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Additional second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late try for Sale set up a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant first-round victory.

Warriors Take Control Following Half-Time

The match started with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an offload and score, making the home side's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the game. A strong line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first occasion early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the team. This try completed a run of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw used neat skills to score. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

A final chance came for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also includes Saracens and South African outfit the Hollywoodbets 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).