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The Scottish side began their European campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors responded admirably with two tries before the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Further after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a nervous finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a significant first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control Following Interval

The match started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to take an offload and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Against challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his century for the team. This try capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Louw showed neat skills to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with time left.

One last chance came for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

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

The two sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also includes 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.

Officials

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