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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.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and raced to a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors fought back well with two tries before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Additional after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. A late try for the hosts promised a tense finale, but the visitors held firm to secure a major first-round victory.

Warriors Take Control Following Interval

Play started with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an offload and touch down, extending Sale's advantage.

Facing challenging conditions, Glasgow used their forward power to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at the interval.

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, they secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

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

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

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features the English side and South African team the 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 (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).