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

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

However, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to 26-14. A late reply for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major opening victory.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to take an offload and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Against challenging weather, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first time early in the second half. A poor kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a run of 26 unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Louw showed neat footwork to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes left.

A final opportunity came for them from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the ball, confirming the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes Saracens and South African team 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.

Match Officials

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