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

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late reply for the hosts set up a nervous finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major opening win.

Warriors Take Control Following Half-Time

Play started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good angle to collect an pass and touch down, making the home side's advantage.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time soon after the second half. A poor kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw used neat footwork to score. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.

One last chance arose for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also includes the English side and Durban-based 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.

Officials

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