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

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow fought back well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but the visitors held firm to secure a significant first-round victory.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

Play started with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart angle to take an offload and touch down, making the home side's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors used their forward power to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time soon after the second half. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the team. That score completed a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw used good skills to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with time left.

One last opportunity arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also features Saracens and South African outfit the Hollywoodbets 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).