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The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with two tries prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a nervous finale, but the visitors stood strong to claim a major opening win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Interval

Play began with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

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

Against difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged box-kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

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

One last opportunity arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens and South African team 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.

Match Officials

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