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

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

However, Glasgow responded admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Additional after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale promised a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control Following Interval

Play started with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart angle to take an pass and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Against challenging conditions, Glasgow used their forward power to get back into the game. A powerful driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time soon after the restart. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

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

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Louw showed good footwork to score. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also features Saracens and South African team 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).