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The Scottish side began their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts began strongly and raced to a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors responded admirably with two tries before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Further second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late reply for the hosts set up a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major opening victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

The match started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good angle to collect an offload and score, extending Sale's lead.

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

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

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the club. That score completed a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Marius Louw showed good footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time left.

A final opportunity came for them from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also includes Saracens and Durban-based outfit the Hollywoodbets 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.

Match Officials

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