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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, Sale began the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a nervous finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a significant opening win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

Play began with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

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

Facing challenging conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the club. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Marius Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

One last opportunity arose for them from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the possession, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

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

The two sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also includes Saracens and South African 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.

Officials

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