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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.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts began strongly and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts promised a tense finish, but the visitors held firm to claim a major first-round win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

Play started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to take an offload and score, making the home side's lead.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A misjudged kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his century for the club. That score completed a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw used good skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

One last chance came for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also features Saracens and South African outfit the Hollywoodbets 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 (France).