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

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts began strongly and built a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries before the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts set up a tense finish, but Glasgow held firm to secure a significant first-round win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Half-Time

The match started with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an offload and touch down, extending Sale's advantage.

Against difficult conditions, Glasgow used their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, they clinched the fourth try when McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Louw used good footwork to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

A final chance came for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also features the English side and Durban-based outfit the 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).