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

With the wind at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late try for Sale promised a tense finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a significant opening victory.

Warriors Take Control Following Interval

The match started with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to take an offload and score, making the home side's lead.

Facing challenging weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the game. A strong line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his century for the club. That score capped a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Marius Louw used good skills to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with time remaining.

One last opportunity came for them from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also includes the English side and South African 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).