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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, Sale started strongly and raced to a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with two tries before the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Additional after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. A late try for Sale promised a tense finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a major first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good support line to collect an offload and touch down, extending Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow used their set-piece to fight back into the game. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, they clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. That score capped a run of 26 unanswered points.

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

One last chance arose for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also includes the English side and Durban-based 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).