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Glasgow Warriors began their European campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale.

With the elements at their backs, Sale began the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Further second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to twelve points. A late reply for the hosts set up a tense finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a major opening win.

Glasgow Take Control Following Half-Time

Play began with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an offload and touch down, extending Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the game. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time early in the restart. A poor kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

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

A final chance came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also includes the English side and Durban-based outfit 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 (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).