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

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

However, Glasgow fought back well with two tries before the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a tense finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

The match started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Rekeiti 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 good support line to collect an pass and score, extending Sale's advantage.

Facing challenging conditions, Glasgow used their forward power to fight back into the game. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first time soon after the second half. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his century for the team. That score capped a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time left.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes the English side and South African outfit the Hollywoodbets 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 (French).