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Glasgow Warriors began their European campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, Sale started strongly and raced to a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors responded admirably with two tries prior to the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Additional second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late try for Sale promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control Following Interval

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

Davies made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an offload and touch down, extending Sale's advantage.

Against difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the game. A strong line-out drive was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at the interval.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the club. That score completed a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Louw used good skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time left.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

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

Both sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also includes Saracens and Durban-based team the Hollywoodbets 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).