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

With the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries before the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale promised a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major first-round victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

The match started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good angle to collect an offload and score, extending Sale's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong line-out drive was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time early in the second half. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall ran through a tackle to score his century for the club. That score capped a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw showed good footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

One last opportunity came for them from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also features Saracens and South African team the Sharks.

Line-ups

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 (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).