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

With the wind at their backs, the hosts began strongly and raced to a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors fought back well with two tries prior to the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Additional second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late reply for the hosts promised a tense finale, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major opening win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to collect an offload and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Facing challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first time soon after the second half. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score capped a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Marius Louw used good skills to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with time left.

A final opportunity arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

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

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens and Durban-based 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).