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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a tense finale, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant first-round victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

The match began with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an pass and score, making the home side's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to get back into the game. A powerful driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first time early in the restart. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, they clinched the fourth try when McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. This try capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw showed good footwork to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with time remaining.

One last 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 journey to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also includes 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 (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).