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

With the wind at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and raced to a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow responded admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts set up a tense finish, but Glasgow held firm to secure a significant opening victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

Play started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an pass and score, extending Sale's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Gregor 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 seized the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Louw used good footwork to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

A final opportunity came for them from a throw in the 22, but they lost the ball, confirming Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also features the English side and South African 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.

Match Officials

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