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The Scottish side kicked off their European campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts began strongly and raced to a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores before the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late reply for Sale promised a nervous finale, but the visitors held firm to claim a major opening victory.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to take an offload and touch down, making the home side's advantage.

Against challenging weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

With in the ascendancy, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score capped a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Louw showed good skills to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with time left.

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

What's Next?

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

Both sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also includes the English side and South African team the 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).