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

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow responded admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Additional second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale promised a tense finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a significant opening win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Half-Time

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

Davies made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an pass and score, extending the home side's advantage.

Against challenging weather, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to fight back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A poor box-kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point 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.

The hosts found a late hope when Louw used neat footwork to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes left.

One last opportunity came for them from a throw in the 22, but they lost the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

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

Both sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also features the English side 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).