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

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts started strongly and built a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Additional second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to 26-14. A late try for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but the visitors stood strong to claim a major first-round victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good angle to collect an pass and touch down, extending the home side's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A misjudged kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, they clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the club. That score capped a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Louw used neat skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also features Saracens and Durban-based team 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.

Officials

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