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The Scottish side began their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, Sale began the brighter and raced to a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow responded well with two tries before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. A late reply for the hosts promised a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a significant opening win.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

Play began with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good angle to collect an offload and touch down, extending Sale's lead.

Against difficult conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the game. A powerful driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

With in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the team. This try capped a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw used good skills to score. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

One last opportunity arose for them from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a competitive 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.

Officials

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