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The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try win on the road against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts started strongly and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors fought back admirably with two tries before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to twelve points. A late try for the hosts promised a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major opening win.

Glasgow Take Control Following Interval

Play began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. An early injury to centre Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good angle to take an pass and touch down, extending Sale's lead.

Against challenging weather, the Warriors used their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at the interval.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time early in the restart. A misjudged kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw showed good footwork to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens and Durban-based outfit the 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).