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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 Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores before half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts promised a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major opening victory.

Warriors Take Control Following Interval

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

Davies made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to collect an pass and score, making Sale's advantage.

Facing challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A misjudged kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, they clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the team. That score capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

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

One last chance came for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes the English side and Durban-based team 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).