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

With the elements at their backs, Sale started strongly and built a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Additional after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to secure a significant opening victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

Play began with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

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

Facing challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first time early in the second half. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. This try completed a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Louw used neat footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

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

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes the English side and Durban-based outfit 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).