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

With the elements at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded admirably with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts promised a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to secure a significant opening win.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Interval

Play started with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to take an offload and score, extending Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult conditions, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first time soon after the second half. A misjudged kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.

Now in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. That score capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale found a lifeline when Marius Louw used neat skills to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

One last chance arose for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they lost the ball, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also features Saracens and South African outfit 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 (France).