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The Scottish side began their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale began the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors fought back well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Additional second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a tense finale, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant opening victory.

Warriors Take Control Following Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to take an offload and score, extending the home side's lead.

Against challenging conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his century for the team. This try capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

Sale found a lifeline when Marius Louw used good skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

A final chance came for them from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

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

Both sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also includes the English side and South African 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 (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).