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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and built a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a tense finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant first-round victory.

Warriors Take Control Following Interval

Play started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an offload and score, extending Sale's lead.

Against challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw used good skills to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes left.

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

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also includes Saracens and South African 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).