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The Scottish side kicked off their European journey in ideal 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 fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors fought back well with a pair of scores before the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale set up a nervous finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an offload and touch down, making Sale's advantage.

Against difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to get back into the game. A powerful driving maul was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at the interval.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first time early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, they clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the club. This try completed a run of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Louw showed good footwork to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last opportunity arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

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

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features the English side and South African team 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.

Officials

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