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

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts began strongly and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores before the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant first-round victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Interval

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a good angle to collect an offload and touch down, making the home side's advantage.

Facing challenging weather, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A strong driving maul was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time soon after the second half. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a run of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Louw used good skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes left.

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

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also includes the English side and South African outfit 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).