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The Scottish side began their European journey in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts started strongly and built a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors fought back well with two tries prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Additional after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a tense finish, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a significant first-round win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

The match started with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a good angle to collect an offload and score, making Sale's advantage.

Facing challenging weather, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the team. This try completed a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

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

One last opportunity arose for them from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn 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 (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).