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

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow fought back well with two tries before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Additional second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late try for Sale promised a nervous finale, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

Play began with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to take an pass and score, making Sale's lead.

Facing challenging weather, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the game. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first occasion soon after the second half. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Louw showed good skills 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 corner, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also features the English side and South African outfit 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 (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).