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Glasgow Warriors began their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale began the brighter and raced to a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors responded admirably with two tries before the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late reply for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to secure a significant opening win.

Glasgow Take Control Following Half-Time

Play started with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good angle to take an offload and touch down, making Sale's lead.

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

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, they secured the fourth try when McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale found a lifeline when Marius Louw used good skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last chance arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

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

Both sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also includes Saracens and South African outfit the Sharks.

Teams

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 (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).