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

With the elements at their backs, the hosts began strongly and raced to a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow responded well with two tries before half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Further after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to twelve points. A late try for Sale promised a nervous finale, but the visitors held firm to secure a significant opening victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Interval

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to centre Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an pass and touch down, extending Sale's lead.

Against difficult weather, the Warriors used their forward power to get back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, they clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the club. This try completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw showed neat skills to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with time left.

A final chance came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens 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.

Officials

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