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

With the wind at their backs, Sale started strongly and raced to a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

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

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a tense finale, but the visitors stood strong to secure a significant first-round win.

Glasgow Take Control Following Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to collect an pass and score, extending Sale's advantage.

Facing challenging weather, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A misjudged box-kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the bonus point when McDowall ran through a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a run of 26 unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Louw used good footwork to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

A final chance came for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also includes Saracens and Durban-based 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 (French).