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Glasgow Warriors began their European journey in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale 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.

But, the visitors fought back well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late try for the hosts promised a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to claim a significant opening win.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

The match began with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to collect an offload and touch down, making the home side's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first time soon after the restart. A misjudged kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Louw used neat skills to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes left.

A final chance arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, confirming Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also features the English side 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.

Match Officials

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