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The Scottish side began their European journey in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. A late try for Sale promised a nervous finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a major opening win.

Glasgow Take Control After Interval

Play started with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to take an offload and score, making the home side's lead.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A powerful driving maul was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at the interval.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A misjudged box-kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his century for the club. That score capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Louw showed good skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last chance came for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

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

Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also features the English side and South African team the 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).