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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 elements at their backs, Sale started the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries prior to the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a tense finale, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a major first-round win.

Warriors Take Control After Interval

Play began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to collect an offload and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Facing challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, they secured the fourth try when McDowall powered past a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the club. This try capped a run of 26 consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw used neat skills to score. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.

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

Looking Ahead

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

Both sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also includes Saracens and South African team the 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.

Officials

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