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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, Sale started strongly and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors fought back well with two tries before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. A late try for Sale promised a tense finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a significant opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Interval

Play began with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over 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 European debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an offload and score, making the home side's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A strong driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time soon after the second half. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

With in the ascendancy, they clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a run of 26 unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Louw used neat skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

One last chance came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also features the English side 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).