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

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow responded admirably with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale set up a nervous finale, but the visitors stood strong to claim a major opening win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

Play began with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to collect an offload and touch down, making Sale's advantage.

Against difficult conditions, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the club. That score completed a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Marius Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with time remaining.

One last chance arose for them from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the ball, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also features the English side and Durban-based 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.

Match Officials

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