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The Scottish side began their European journey in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors fought back well with two tries before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Additional second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

Play started with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an pass and score, extending Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors used their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong line-out drive was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first time early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the team. That score capped a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw showed good skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time left.

A final chance arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

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

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