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The Scottish side began their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts started strongly and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

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

Further second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a tense finish, but the visitors held firm to claim a significant first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control Following Interval

Play began with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to take an pass and touch down, extending Sale's lead.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. That score completed a run of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw showed neat skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

One last chance arose for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

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

The two sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also features the English side and Durban-based outfit the Hollywoodbets 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 (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).