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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their Champions Cup campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale began the brighter and built a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Additional after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late reply for Sale set up a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to secure a significant first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart angle to take an offload and score, extending the home side's advantage.

Against difficult conditions, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at the interval.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first time soon after the restart. A poor kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the driving seat, they clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his century for the club. That score capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw used neat footwork to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with time left.

One last chance came for them from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also includes the English side and Durban-based team 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).