Sale Sharks march into the Premiership play-offs with a resounding 20-10 win over defending champions Saracens. 

Tries from Tom Roebuck and Rob du Preez, alongside two penalties from George Ford ensured Sale secured their first ever win at the StoneX; leapfrogging their opponents into third place in the process.

With so much on the line for both sides, the cagey start could be excused; but a piece of magic from Tom Roebuck injected life into the game. A delayed pass from Rob du Preez created a gap in the Saracens defence, and Roebuck burst through to score a fine solo try.

Saracens responded well though, as Owen Farrell knocked over a penalty. They nearly grabbed a try through Ivan van Zyl minutes later, however he spilled the ball and the chance went begging.

Sale’s pack gave them a real foothold in the game. The Sharks marched towards the try-line, however Luke Cowan-Dickie’s effort was chalked off for a knock-on. A penalty from the following scrum gave George Ford an easy penalty though, and he made no mistake from the tee.

Sale march onto play-offs with strong second-half showing

Tom Roebuck-Credit: IMAGO

Momentum was fully with the visitors, and they extended their lead by 10 points after half-time. A Ford penalty opened their account in the second forty, but a spot of luck gifted du Preez an easy try. Alex Lewington spilt the ball into the on-chasing centres grateful grasp, and he strolled under the sticks for the score.

A string of penalties marched Sale back into Saracens 22, however a costly knock-on stopped the attack in its tracks.

The impact of the Saracens bench began to swing the game back in their favour, and it eventually led to their first try. A clever kick from Alex Goode gifted them the ball just 5 meters out, but it took a powerful pick-and-go from Marco Riccioni to eventually barge through the stubborn Sale defence.

As the game began to open up, Sale piled the pressure on Saracens, and nearly delivered the killer blow through Jean Luc du Preez, however was held up over the line.

With the clock in the red, one final defensive effort from the Sharks cemented their spot in the top four.

Saracens vs Sale Sharks

Saracens: 10

Tries: Riccioni

Conversions: Farrell (1/1)

Penalties: Farrell (1/1)

Sale Sharks: 20

Tries: Roebuck, du Preez

Conversions: Ford (2/2)

Penalties: Ford (2/2)

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