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The Scottish side 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 built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries before half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late reply for Sale promised a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant first-round win.

Glasgow Take Control After Interval

The match started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to take an pass and touch down, making Sale's advantage.

Against difficult weather, Glasgow used their forward power to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion early in the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the team. This try capped a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw showed good footwork to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes left.

One last chance came for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also includes Saracens 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).