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

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale started the brighter and raced to a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries before the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late try for Sale promised a tense finale, but the visitors held firm to claim a major opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Interval

Play started with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an pass and touch down, extending the home side's advantage.

Facing challenging conditions, Glasgow used their forward power to fight back into the contest. A strong driving maul was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A misjudged kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his century for the club. This try completed a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw used good skills to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with time left.

A final opportunity came for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the ball, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes the English side and Durban-based team 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.

Match Officials

Referee: Pierre Brousset (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).