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Glasgow Warriors began their European journey in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, Sale started the brighter and built a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Additional after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late reply for Sale promised a tense finish, but Glasgow held firm to secure a significant opening win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

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

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an offload and score, extending the home side's advantage.

Against difficult weather, the Warriors used their forward power to fight back into the game. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A misjudged box-kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when McDowall ran through a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

Sale found a lifeline when Marius Louw used neat footwork to score. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.

One last chance came for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes the English side and Durban-based team the 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.

Officials

Referee: Pierre Brousset (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).