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

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors responded well with two tries prior to the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. A late try for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a significant first-round victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

Play started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

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

Against challenging weather, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A poor kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, they secured the fourth try when McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. That score capped a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

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

A final opportunity came for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

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

Both sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also features Saracens and Durban-based team 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).