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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts began strongly and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors responded well with two tries prior to the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Additional after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale promised a nervous finish, but the visitors held firm to claim a major opening win.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

The match began with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a good angle to take an offload and touch down, extending the home side's lead.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors used their forward power to get back into the game. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at the interval.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first time early in the second half. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw used good footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last chance arose for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, confirming Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens and South African team 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.

Officials

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