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

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts started strongly and raced to a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

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

Further second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late try for Sale promised a tense finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant opening win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good angle to collect an pass and score, extending the home side's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his century for the team. That score completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw showed good skills to score. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.

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

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features 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.

Officials

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