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

With the elements at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and raced to a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores before the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Additional after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. A late reply for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to claim a major opening win.

Warriors Take Control Following Half-Time

Play started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart angle to take an offload and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the game. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first time soon after the second half. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, they secured the fourth try when McDowall ran through a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a run of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw used neat skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

One last opportunity came for them from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

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

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens and Durban-based outfit 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.

Match Officials

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