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

With the elements at their backs, the hosts began strongly and raced to a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors responded admirably with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Additional after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for Sale promised a tense finale, but the visitors held firm to claim a major opening victory.

Warriors Take Control After Interval

The match started with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an offload and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors used their forward power to fight back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.

With in the ascendancy, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a run of 26 unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw used neat footwork to score. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

A final chance came for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also features Saracens 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.

Match Officials

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