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The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors fought back well with two tries prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Additional after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. A late try for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major opening victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Half-Time

The match started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an pass and score, making the home side's advantage.

Against difficult conditions, the Warriors used their forward power to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. This try completed a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Louw used good skills to score. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.

A final opportunity came for them from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed 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 (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).