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The Scottish side began their European journey in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

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

But, the visitors fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Additional second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to 26-14. A late reply for the hosts set up a tense finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a major opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Interval

The match started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the action for his cup debut.

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

Against difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion early in the second half. A misjudged kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. This try capped a run of 26 consecutive points.

Sale found a lifeline when Louw used good skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last opportunity arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes the English side and South African team the Hollywoodbets 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).