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The Scottish side began their European journey in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

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

However, the visitors responded admirably with two tries prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Additional second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a tense finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a major first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Interval

The match began with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart angle to take an pass and score, making the home side's lead.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, they clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his century for the team. This try completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw showed good skills to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.

A final opportunity came for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also features the English side and South African outfit 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).