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

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale began the brighter and raced to a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back admirably with two tries prior to the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late reply for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but the visitors stood strong to claim a major opening win.

Warriors Seize Initiative 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 teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an pass and touch down, extending Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors used their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time early in the second half. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the line.

With in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a run of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts found a late hope when Marius Louw showed neat skills to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with time remaining.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also includes the English side and South African team the Hollywoodbets 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 (France).