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

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale began the brighter and raced to a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors responded well with two tries prior to half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. A late try for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a significant opening victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Interval

Play began with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an offload and touch down, making Sale's advantage.

Against difficult conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

Glasgow took the lead for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, they clinched the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Louw used neat footwork to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes left.

One last chance came for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also features Saracens and South African outfit 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).