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

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors responded admirably with two tries before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Additional second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late try for Sale promised a nervous finish, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major first-round victory.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

The match started with a quick try as Sale captain 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 Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an offload and score, making the home side's advantage.

Facing challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first time early in the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

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

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw used neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

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

Looking Ahead

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

Both sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also includes Saracens 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.

Officials

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