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

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors responded well with two tries before half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a significant first-round win.

Glasgow Take Control After Half-Time

Play began with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to collect an offload and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Against challenging conditions, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the team. That score completed a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Louw used good footwork to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.

A final chance arose for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a strong 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.

Officials

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