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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European journey in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow fought back well with two tries before the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late try for Sale promised a nervous finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a major opening victory.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

Play began with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an offload and score, making the home side's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Louw used good footwork to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

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

What's Next?

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

Both sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also features Saracens and Durban-based team the 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.

Officials

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