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Glasgow Warriors began their European journey in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts began strongly and raced to a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors responded admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late try for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but the visitors held firm to claim a major first-round victory.

Warriors Take Control Following Interval

The match started with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. An early injury to centre Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an pass and touch down, making Sale's advantage.

Against difficult weather, the Warriors used their forward power to fight back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A poor kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his century for the team. That score capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Louw showed neat skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes left.

One last opportunity arose for them from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will host European giants 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 (French).