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

With the elements at their backs, the hosts started strongly and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores before half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a tense finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a significant opening victory.

Glasgow Take Control Following Half-Time

Play began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to take an pass and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Against difficult conditions, Glasgow used their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first time early in the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, they clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his century for the team. This try completed a run of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw showed good skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

A final chance came for them from a throw in the 22, but they lost the ball, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also includes the English side and South African team 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.

Match Officials

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