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Glasgow Warriors began their European campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors fought back well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Additional after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale promised a tense finish, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an offload and score, making Sale's lead.

Against difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first time early in the restart. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. This try capped a run of 26 unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last chance came for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features the English side and South African outfit 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).