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Glasgow Warriors began their European campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale began the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors responded well with two tries before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late try for the hosts set up a tense finish, but the visitors stood strong to claim a major opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Half-Time

Play began with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to take an offload and score, extending the home side's advantage.

Facing challenging weather, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts found a late hope when Louw showed good footwork to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes left.

A final chance arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also features 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.

Officials

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