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The Scottish side began their European journey in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale began the brighter and raced to a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back well with a pair of scores before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Additional second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to twelve points. A late try for Sale set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major first-round win.

Glasgow Take Control After Half-Time

Play began with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good angle to collect an offload and touch down, extending the home side's advantage.

Facing challenging weather, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

Now in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. This try capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw used neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with time left.

One last opportunity arose for them from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

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

Both sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also includes the English side and Durban-based team 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.

Officials

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