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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 started the brighter and built a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Further second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a nervous finish, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major first-round victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Interval

Play started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to collect an offload and touch down, making Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged box-kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the club. That score completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Louw used neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with time remaining.

A final opportunity came for them from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features Saracens and South African team the 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 (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).