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

With the elements at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow responded well with two tries before the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Additional second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late reply for Sale promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

Play started with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart angle to collect an offload and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Facing challenging weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at half-time.

Glasgow took the lead for the first occasion soon after the second half. A misjudged box-kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the team. This try completed a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Louw used good skills to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

One last chance arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also includes 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.

Match Officials

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