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The Scottish side began their European journey in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale started the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow responded well with two tries before the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Additional after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late reply for the hosts set up a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a significant first-round victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

Play started with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a good angle to take an pass and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Against challenging weather, Glasgow used their forward power to fight back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his century for the club. This try completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Louw used neat skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

A final chance arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features the English side and Durban-based team 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).