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

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

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

Additional after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant opening win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

Play began with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to take an pass and score, extending the home side's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, the Warriors used their forward power to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at the interval.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time soon after the second half. A poor box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the team. This try capped a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

Sale found a lifeline when Marius Louw showed good footwork to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with time remaining.

One last chance came for them from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the ball, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

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

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also features the English side and Durban-based outfit 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).