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

With the elements at their backs, Sale started the brighter and built a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors responded well with two tries prior to the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Additional after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts set up a tense finish, but the visitors stood strong to secure a significant first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Half-Time

Play began with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a good angle to take an offload and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Facing challenging conditions, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the game. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first occasion early in the second half. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, they secured the fourth try when McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw showed good footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes left.

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they lost the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes the English side 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.

Match Officials

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