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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale began strongly and built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to 26-14. A late reply for Sale set up a tense finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a significant first-round win.

Glasgow Take Control Following Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to take an offload and touch down, making Sale's advantage.

Facing challenging weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall ran through a tackle to score his century for the club. That score completed a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw used neat footwork to score. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

One last opportunity arose for them from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a competitive Pool One 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).