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

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts started strongly and raced to a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors responded admirably with a pair of scores before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control Following Interval

Play started with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart angle to take an offload and score, making Sale's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A misjudged kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. That score capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Louw used neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with time remaining.

One last chance arose for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also features Saracens and Durban-based outfit 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.

Officials

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