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Glasgow Warriors began their European journey in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try win on the road against Sale.

With the elements at their backs, Sale started strongly and built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors responded admirably with two tries prior to half-time. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts set up a tense finale, but the visitors held firm to claim a major opening victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the fray for his European debut.

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

Facing difficult conditions, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw used neat footwork to score. The kick made it a one-score game with time remaining.

A final chance arose for them from a throw in the corner, but they lost the ball, confirming the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also includes Saracens and Durban-based team 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.

Match Officials

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