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Glasgow Warriors began their European campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts started strongly and built a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors fought back well with two tries prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Additional second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major opening win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to centre Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good angle to collect an pass and score, extending the home side's lead.

Against difficult conditions, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at the interval.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A poor kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, they secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

Sale found a lifeline when Marius Louw showed good skills to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with time left.

One last chance came for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

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

The two sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features Saracens and South African outfit the Hollywoodbets 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).