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The Scottish side kicked off their European campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, Sale began the brighter and raced to a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors fought back well with two tries prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for Sale set up a tense finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major opening victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Half-Time

The match began with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a good angle to take an pass and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Facing challenging conditions, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, they clinched the fourth try when McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

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

A final chance arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

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

Both sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also features the English side and South African outfit 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.

Officials

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