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

With the wind at their backs, Sale began the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back admirably with two tries before the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late try for Sale promised a nervous finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a significant first-round win.

Glasgow Take Control After Half-Time

The match began with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good angle to take an pass and touch down, making the home side's advantage.

Facing challenging conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to fight back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at the interval.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A poor kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw showed good skills to score. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes left.

One last opportunity arose for them from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also includes the English side 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.

Match Officials

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