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

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and built a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors fought back admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Additional second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a tense finale, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant opening victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Half-Time

Play started with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to take an pass and score, making the home side's advantage.

Against difficult weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first occasion soon after the second half. A misjudged box-kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, they clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the club. This try capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Louw showed good footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes left.

A final chance arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they lost the ball, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also features Saracens and Durban-based outfit the 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 (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).