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

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts began strongly and raced to a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries prior to half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a significant opening victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Half-Time

Play began with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an offload and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Facing challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the game. A strong line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, they clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

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

One last opportunity arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they lost the ball, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

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

The two sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also includes the English side and Durban-based 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 (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).