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The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try win on the road against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, Sale began the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors responded admirably with two tries prior to the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Additional second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale set up a tense finish, but the visitors held firm to claim a significant opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

Play began with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to take an offload and score, extending the home side's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first time early in the restart. A poor kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale found a lifeline when Louw showed neat skills to score. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last chance came for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

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

Both sides are placed in a competitive 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.

Officials

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