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Glasgow Warriors began their European campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts started strongly and built a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow fought back well with two tries before the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Additional after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a significant first-round victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Half-Time

Play started with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to take an offload and touch down, extending the home side's lead.

Against challenging conditions, Glasgow used their set-piece to fight back into the game. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, they clinched the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the club. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

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

A final chance arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the possession, confirming Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

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

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features the English side and South African 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).