Seventh heaven for Sale Sharks against Harlequins

Sale Sharks scored seven tries as they battered fellow semi-finalists, Harlequins 45-12 at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Quins’ AJ Bell voodoo continued on Friday night as they were handed a seventh straight defeat in the North West, as Sale Sharks move to second in the table.

Sale signed off their- potentially- final home outing of the season in style as they recorded a seventh consecutive home win, and an eighth straight Premiership victory.

The hosts were forced into a late change with England international, Manu Tuilagi ruled out due to isolation. The club confirmed a member of staff tested positive for Covid-19, and with Tuilagi being in ‘close contact’, the centre was ruled out- Alex Sanderson confirmed post-match Tuilagi would be available next Saturday.

Despite the end result, Harlequins troubled Sharks in the early stages. Ben Tapuai broke Sale’s line minutes in and his strong run took Quins into dangerous territory, however, the attack faded through phases.

The visitor’s bright start continued and minutes after their warning, they took the lead after three minutes.

Tyrone Green’s fast feet down the right wing created space, and a fine, attacking team move resulted in an inside pass setting up scrum half, Martin Landajo for the simple task of running beneath the posts for a converted try.

The lead however didn’t last long. After the awarding of a penalty 5m out, Sharks restarted play quickly and after a series of forward carries, Akker Van Der Merwe wasn’t to be stopped from forcing his way over.

Quins’ penalty count started to rise and with that they were punished. With a penalty advantage being played, Sale moved the ball along the line with quick hands to Marland Yarde to score against his former club in the corner.

The hosts’ dominance started to reflect on the scoreboard and they crossed for a third try minutes before the half hour mark.

Sharks’ forwards inflicted the damage, but the try was finished by the backs. Sam James’ excellent over the top pass fell perfectly into the hands of Byron McGuigan to score his eighth Premiership try of the season.

Despite falling behind early, Sale had asserted total dominance on the game and they managed to secure a deserved bonus point before the interval.

Sharks’ forwards once again mounted the pressure on Quins’ defence, and local lad, Cameron Neild was on hand to pick up from the ruck and crash over, with AJ MacGinty’s conversion giving Sale a 26-7 half time lead.

As expected, the visitors started the second half more positively and they were handed a man advantage when Wayne Barnes showed Faf de Klerk yellow for a no arms tackle after 50 minutes.

However, Quins were unable to capitalise on the extra man, and it was Sharks who crossed for the games next try.

A well-executed kick from Rob du Preez was claimed by Rohan Janse Van Rensburg, who on his return from a five game absence, was able to turn and power his way over for a fifth Sale try having played 55 minutes.

Quins’ penalty count continued to be their downfall, and Sharks added another try just after the hour.

After the awarding of a penalty in the ruck, Sharks worked the ball along the line from the lineout, which allowed the forwards to start their work.

After a series of pick and go’s, Sharks’ loosehead prop and Academy graduate, Bevan Rodd couldn’t be stopped as he stretched his way over to score, despite the efforts of Tapuai to prevent a sixth try.

A slight improvement had been seen in the second half from Billy Millard’s side, but the overall dominance from the hosts was rightfully reflected in the 33-points difference.

Harlequins managed to score a consolation try off  the back of some individual magic from fly half, Will Edwards.

The ball was worked from left to right before a dummy pass from Edwards’ created a gap in Sharks’ defensive line, and he was able to sprint through from the 22 for the five points- although his conversion wasn’t executed in the same.

As the game neared conclusion- to the relief of the visitors- Sharks still found a way to score a seventh try and further rub salt into Quins’ wounds.

After a winding run from substitute Will Cliff set Sale up metres out, Jean-Luc du Preez’s one handed pick up was followed up by a powerful drive from the lock, and he knocked three Quins players back as he crashed over from close range and earn Sharks a 33-points victory.

Both sides still have one outing left in the regular season before they compete for a place in the Premiership final at the end of the month.

Defeat confirms fourth place for Quins, however, Sharks could still finish in a home semi-final place. They will keep a close eye on Exeter Chiefs’ result tomorrow, before they themselves travel to Sandy Park next Saturday.

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