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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.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts began strongly and built a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. A late try for Sale promised a tense finale, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Half-Time

Play began with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to take an offload and score, making Sale's advantage.

Against difficult conditions, Glasgow used their forward power to fight back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first occasion soon after the second half. A poor kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, they clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw showed neat skills to score. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the ball, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also includes Saracens and Durban-based outfit 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.

Match Officials

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