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

With the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors fought back admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Additional second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. A late try for the hosts promised a tense finish, but the visitors held firm to claim a significant first-round win.

Warriors Take Control Following Half-Time

Play started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to collect an offload and touch down, extending the home side's lead.

Against difficult conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, they clinched the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Louw used good skills to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

One last opportunity came for them from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes the English side 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.

Match Officials

Referee: Pierre Brousset (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).