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

With the wind at their backs, Sale began the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Further after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. A late reply for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but the visitors held firm to secure a significant first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

Play began with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an offload and touch down, making the home side's advantage.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow used their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time soon after the second half. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, they secured the fourth try when McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the team. That score capped a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw used neat footwork to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

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

The two sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).