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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a crucial 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 gave them early control.

However, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries prior to the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. A late reply for the hosts promised a tense finish, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major opening victory.

Warriors Take Control Following Half-Time

Play began with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an offload and score, extending the home side's lead.

Facing challenging conditions, the Warriors used their forward power to fight back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow took the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A misjudged kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the club. This try capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw used good skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes left.

A final opportunity arose for them from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also includes the English side and South African outfit the 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 (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).