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

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts began strongly and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow responded admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Further after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a tense finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a major opening victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

Play began with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. An early knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an pass and score, making the home side's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors turned to their forward power to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first occasion soon after the second half. A poor kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw showed good skills to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

A final opportunity came for them from a throw in the 22, but they lost the ball, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also includes the English side 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 (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).