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The Scottish side began their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale started strongly and built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts set up a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a significant first-round win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

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

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, they secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. That score capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Marius Louw showed neat skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time left.

One last chance came for them from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

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

Match Officials

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