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Glasgow Warriors began their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale.

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

But, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores before the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Additional second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a tense finish, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Interval

Play started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a good angle to collect an offload and score, extending Sale's lead.

Against difficult conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time early in the restart. A poor kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the club. That score completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw used neat skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes left.

A final opportunity came for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One 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.

Match Officials

Referee: Pierre Brousset (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).