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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European journey in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale began the brighter and raced to a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors fought back admirably with two tries prior to half-time. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Additional second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts promised a tense finish, but the visitors stood strong to secure a significant first-round victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

The match began with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an offload and score, extending the home side's advantage.

Against difficult conditions, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, they clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his century for the team. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Louw showed good skills to score. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

A final opportunity arose for them from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

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