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Glasgow Warriors 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 strongly and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors responded admirably with two tries before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Additional after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale set up a nervous finale, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Interval

Play began with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good angle to take an offload and touch down, extending the home side's lead.

Against difficult conditions, Glasgow used their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the team. This try capped a run of 26 unanswered points.

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

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

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

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens 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 (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).