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

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow fought back well with two tries prior to half-time. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a nervous finale, but the visitors held firm to secure a significant first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control Following Half-Time

Play began with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to collect an offload and touch down, making the home side's advantage.

Facing difficult conditions, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first occasion early in the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the club. That score completed a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

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

One last opportunity came for them from a throw in the corner, but they lost the ball, confirming Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

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

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features the English side 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 (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).