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

With the elements at their backs, Sale began the brighter and built a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors fought back admirably with two tries before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Additional after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant opening victory.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an pass and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the game. A strong line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the line.

With in the ascendancy, they secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. That score capped a run of 26 unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw used neat skills to score. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.

One last chance came for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also features the English side and South African outfit the Hollywoodbets 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).