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The Scottish side kicked off their European journey in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow responded admirably with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Further second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late reply for the hosts set up a nervous finale, but the visitors stood strong to secure a significant first-round win.

Warriors Take Control After Interval

The match began with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an offload and score, extending Sale's advantage.

Facing challenging weather, the Warriors used their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first occasion soon after the second half. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Louw showed good skills to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also features Saracens and South African 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.

Match Officials

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