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

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts began strongly and built a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Additional after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. A late reply for Sale promised a tense finale, but the visitors stood strong to claim a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

The match started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

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

Against difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time early in the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the team. That score completed a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Louw showed neat skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

A final chance came for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

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

Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes Saracens and Durban-based team the Hollywoodbets 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).