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

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts started strongly and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a nervous finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a major opening victory.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to take an pass and score, making the home side's advantage.

Facing challenging weather, Glasgow used their set-piece to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Marius Louw showed good skills to score. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.

A final chance arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

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

The two sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens and Durban-based team the 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).