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

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale started the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors fought back well with two tries before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Further after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts set up a tense finish, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

Play began with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an pass and score, extending the home side's advantage.

Facing challenging weather, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to fight back into the game. A strong line-out drive was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at the interval.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the line.

With in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Louw used good footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time left.

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

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also includes the English side and South African 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).