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The Scottish side kicked off their European campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

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

But, Glasgow fought back well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. A late try for the hosts set up a tense finale, but the visitors held firm to claim a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Interval

Play began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good angle to collect an pass and score, making the home side's advantage.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow used their forward power to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. This try completed a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw used neat footwork to score. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes left.

A final chance came for them from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also features Saracens and Durban-based team 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).