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

With the wind at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow fought back well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Additional after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to 26-14. A late try for the hosts promised a tense finish, but the visitors held firm to claim a major opening win.

Glasgow Take Control After Half-Time

Play began with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an offload and score, extending the home side's lead.

Against difficult conditions, the Warriors used their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A misjudged box-kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw used neat footwork to score. The kick made it a five-point game with time left.

A final chance arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also features Saracens and South African team the Hollywoodbets 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 (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).