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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, Sale started strongly and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow fought back well with two tries before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. A late try for Sale set up a tense finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major first-round victory.

Warriors Take Control After Interval

Play began with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to take an pass and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Facing challenging conditions, Glasgow used their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Louw showed good footwork to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

One last chance came for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

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

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features Saracens 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 (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).