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

With the elements at their backs, Sale began 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 admirably with two tries prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts promised a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major first-round win.

Warriors Take Control Following Half-Time

Play began with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an pass and score, making Sale's advantage.

Against difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first occasion early in the restart. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, they clinched the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the club. This try completed a run of 26 unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw showed neat skills to score. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes left.

One last opportunity came for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also includes Saracens and South African 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).