Matchday Live

#YourSharks returned to winning ways as they downed Northampton Saints thirty points to six at the AJ Bell Stadium. A trio of unanswered tries from Akker van der Merwe, Marland Yarde and Jono Ross alongside a man of the match performance from AJ MacGinty made it a difficult evening for Northampton, as the east-midlands outfit struggled to get a foothold in the game thanks to some typical northern weather.

Van der Merwe’s try and AJ MacGinty’s boot guided Sale into a 13-6 half-time lead, while Saints fly half James Grayson kicked two penalties in reply.Marland Yarde’s try gave the Sharks some second-half breathing space, before McGinty popped over another penalty.Jono Ross sealed the victory with a short-range plunge over with the clock in the red.

The home side climb to seventh, while Saints were replaced by Exeter in fourth despite the Chiefs’ defeat by Newcastle – with a bonus point.

It was was a timely win for Sale, who have as yet failed to hit the heights they did last season whilst dealing with a number of injuries as well as various international ommissions.

MacGinty’s kicking game eased pressure with good exit strategy alongside stout defence, to ensure a comfortable night despite the tricky conditions.

They could even afford to hand Saints plenty of chances to turn the screw after giving away penalties at mauls and scrums but Northampton were unable to take advantage in terms of points.

While they were short of several key players because of international call-ups and injury, the Saints were unable to capitalise on a rampant night for Sale.

Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson:

“AJ was magic. I always like to get the bench on but he was in such a good flow and I just wanted to leave him on and he kept kicking the goals.

“We haven’t really seen AJ this season and he’s pretty much the finished article. He got back into his groove and that’s the AJ I expect to see for the rest of the season. He just pulls the strings like a good 10 does. The boys who came back in gave us a little bit of experience.

“I’ve still got faith in the other lads and I’m still going to rotate them and play them, but on a wet night like this, you tend to turn to those players who have been there and come through it – and they have stepped up today.”