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The Scottish side began their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

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

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with two tries prior to half-time. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a significant first-round win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an pass and touch down, extending Sale's advantage.

Against challenging weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to fight back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first time early in the restart. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

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

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes left.

A final chance arose for them from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

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

Both sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also features Saracens and South African 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.

Match Officials

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