Investec Champions Cup

Sale Sharks (15) 27

Tries: B Curry, Reed 2, Ma'asi-White Cons: Ford 2 Pen: Ford

Glasgow Warriors (21) 47

Tries: Penalty try, Steyn, Dobie, Craig, Darge, Smith, Tuipulotu Cons: Horne 4, Lancaster

Glasgow Warriors pulled away to record an impressive bonus-point victory over Sale Sharks in the Investec Champions Cup on an emotional day at CorpAcq Stadium.

Pre-match tears were shed on the pitch and in the stands during a minute's silence in memory of former Sale lock Hyron Andrews, who died on Friday at the Johannesburg Lions' team hotel before their Champions Cup match at La Rochelle.

The 31-year-old played regularly for Sale last season, and his former side started positively as they sought a memorable performance.

Ben Curry peeled off a maul and sprinted through, much to Glasgow's surprise, before Arron Reed crossed out wide after some sharp handling.

However, a penalty try for a maul infringement sent Gus Warr to the sin-bin, before Tom Roebuck joined him after tripping Warriors captain Kyle Steyn.

After Rory Darge spilled the ball with a try beckoning, Glasgow finally took advantage as Steyn raced down the wing to score.

A wonderful finish by Scotland's Jamie Dobie restored the visitors' lead after George Ford's penalty had put Sale back ahead.

Considered one of the favourites to win the tournament after recording a clean sweep of bonus-point wins in last year's pool stage, Glasgow were stunned by Toulon in the quarter-finals at Scotstoun.

One of those wins came against Sale after Franco Smith's side recovered from 14 points down to win 26-21.

Lock Alex Craig powered over from close range as a similar pattern began to emerge, with Rekeiti Ma'asi-White crossing after sustained pressure to keep Alex Sanderson's side in touch.

A sublime one-handed offload from Joe Carpenter then set up Reed to respond to a Warriors maul try.

However, Smith's side, who will be aiming for a deep run in Europe, crossed through replacement Ollie Smith and Ottavio Tuipulotu to secure an additional bonus point.

A new rule in this year's tournament awards an extra point to teams that score three more tries than their opponents.

The second round of fixtures in the Champions Cup will be played in December, with Glasgow hosting Pau and Sale travelling to Dublin to face Leinster.

Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live about the death of former Sharks player Hyron Andrews: "I am really impressed with how the lads have come together, looked after each other and got tighter in the trauma of it.

"It is a good indication of the strength of the squad and the depth of the culture, how much they want to get around each other and get through it together.

"Hyron represents a large portion of the squad, in that he came here underrated and got opportunities to show what he is capable of.

"He forwarded his career, made Manchester his second home, settled with his wife and had another child.

"He left with a lot of good mates and people who consider him as one of their best mates. His impact and what he gave off the field was far more from what he gave on it. It is still really raw to process.

"His two boys are too young to really fathom what is going on but I know the lads close to Hyron have been speaking to his two boys already this morning.

"We will help their family get through it.

"It was not something we looked to use or to weaponise. I'd never want to do that because I think you would kind of be dishonouring him.

"You can ride emotion and some of them wanted to do right by Hyron today. They have to get through it in their own time and way - that is grief.

"Collectively we can grieve together and be there for each other. I imagine they found it hard. I found it hard, trying to come in and be my positive self.

"They didn't really show it with how they started. It shows the pros they are."

Glasgow flanker Rory Darge, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "Sale are a really good side, especially their pack. That was a challenge we set our pack. I thought we did really well at the set piece.

"We will enjoy this as we know how tough Sale are to beat here."

Sale: Carpenter; Roebuck, Marchant, Ma'asi-White, Reed; Ford, Warr; Smith, Cowan-Dickie, Francis, Van Rhyn (capt), Bamber, Lawes, B Curry, Canakaivata.

Replacements: Jibulu, McIntyre, Opoku-Fordjour, Tshiunza, T Curry, Hanson, Lozowski, Loganimasi.

Glasgow: Rowe; Steyn (capt), McDowall, Tuipulotu, Dobie; Lancaster, Horne; McBeth, Stephen, Fagerson, Craig, Cummings, Ferrie, Darge, Van der Merwe.

Replacements: O Tuipulotu, Schickerling, Talakai, Oguntibeju, Brown, Miller, Reidy, Smith.

Referee: Craig Evans (Wales)

Assistant referees: Gareth Newman (Wales) and Lucas Yendle (Wales)

TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)