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

With the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and built a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors responded admirably with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Additional after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to twelve points. A late reply for Sale promised a tense finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a significant first-round victory.

Warriors Take Control Following Interval

The match began with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart angle to take an pass and score, making Sale's lead.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time early in the restart. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Louw showed good skills to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.

A final chance came for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the possession, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes Saracens and Durban-based outfit the Sharks.

Teams

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 (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).