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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European journey in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. A late try for the hosts set up a tense finale, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant opening victory.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

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

Davies made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart angle to collect an offload and touch down, extending the home side's advantage.

Facing challenging weather, the Warriors used their forward power to get back into the game. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

Glasgow took the lead for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor box-kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the 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 run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Louw showed neat footwork to score. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features the English side and South African 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 (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).