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

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

But, the visitors responded well with two tries before half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Additional after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant first-round victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

Play began with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to collect an offload and score, extending the home side's lead.

Facing challenging conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, they clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his century for the team. This try capped a run of 26 unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw used good footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last chance came for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the ball, confirming Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

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

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens and South African outfit 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).