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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 wind at their backs, the hosts began strongly and raced to a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Additional after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late reply for Sale promised a nervous finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a major opening victory.

Warriors Take Control After Interval

The match started with a quick try as Sale captain 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 Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an offload and touch down, extending the home side's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors turned to their forward power to fight back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A misjudged box-kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a run of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw showed neat skills to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

One last chance arose for them from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also includes the English side 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).