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

With the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Additional after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for Sale promised a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Interval

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an pass and score, extending the home side's lead.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion early in the second half. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. This try completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the ball, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also features Saracens and Durban-based team 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.

Match Officials

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