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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Additional after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major opening win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

Play began with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his cup debut.

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

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the game. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time early in the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, they secured the fourth try when McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the team. That score capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale found a lifeline when Marius Louw showed good skills to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes left.

One last opportunity arose for them from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also features Saracens 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.

Officials

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