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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, Sale started the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with two tries before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late try for Sale set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major opening victory.

Warriors Take Control Following Half-Time

Play started with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an pass and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, the Warriors used their forward power to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall ran through a tackle to score his century for the team. That score completed a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Marius Louw showed good skills to score. The kick made it a five-point game with time left.

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also includes the English side and Durban-based outfit the 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).