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

With the elements at their backs, the hosts started strongly and raced to a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with two tries before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a tense finale, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Half-Time

Play started with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an pass and score, extending the home side's lead.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, they secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

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

A final chance came for them from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also features the English side and South African team 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).