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

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale started strongly and built a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors fought back well with two tries prior to half-time. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a major first-round win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

The match started with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a good angle to take an pass and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Against difficult conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

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

With in the ascendancy, they secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the club. This try completed a run of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Louw showed good skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

A final opportunity arose for them from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also features the English side and Durban-based team the 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 (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).