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

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow fought back well with two tries before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. A late reply for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to secure a significant opening win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Half-Time

The match started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart angle to take an offload and score, extending Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A strong driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

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

With in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the team. That score completed a run of 26 unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw showed good skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

A final opportunity arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they lost the ball, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

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

Match Officials

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