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The Scottish side kicked off their European campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, Sale started the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Additional after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to 26-14. A late try for Sale set up a nervous finale, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major opening victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

The match began with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

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

Facing challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A strong driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first time soon after the second half. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Louw used neat skills to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with time remaining.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also features the English side and Durban-based team the Hollywoodbets 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.

Officials

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