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

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

However, Glasgow responded well with two tries prior to half-time. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. A late try for Sale promised a tense finale, but the visitors held firm to secure a major opening victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Interval

Play began with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to take an pass and score, making the home side's lead.

Against difficult conditions, the Warriors used their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first occasion early in the restart. A poor kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

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

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw showed good skills to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens and Durban-based outfit 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 (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).