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The Scottish side kicked off their European journey in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, Sale began the brighter and raced to a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors responded admirably with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late try for Sale set up a tense finale, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major opening victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

Play began with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart angle to collect an offload and touch down, extending the home side's lead.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first occasion soon after the second half. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, they secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the club. That score completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw used good skills to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.

A final chance arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features the English side and Durban-based 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).