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

With the elements at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors responded admirably with two tries prior to half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late try for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a major first-round victory.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to take an pass and score, extending the home side's advantage.

Facing challenging conditions, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the game. A strong line-out drive was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first occasion early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall powered past a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Louw used good footwork to score. The kick made it a five-point game with time left.

A final chance arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

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

Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes the English side and Durban-based 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.

Match Officials

Referee: Pierre Brousset (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).