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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores before the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late try for Sale set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major first-round win.

Glasgow Take Control After Interval

Play started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an pass and score, extending the home side's advantage.

Facing challenging conditions, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time soon after the second half. A misjudged kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his century for the team. That score capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw used neat footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time left.

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also features the English side and South African 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).