Sale's Champions Cup Pool 1 campaign was all but over before a half-time interval when the Sharks, without several of their star South Africa players, were given a chance to level the scores with a penalty. Siya Masuku's effort went wide and Sale responded swiftly through flanker Rekeiti Ma'asi-White who scored from a short pass on 25 minutes.
The visitors enjoyed much more possession in the second period but struggled to break down a resolute Sale defence, and it was England prop Bevan Rodd who finally gave his side the opening score of the half, collecting a kick from a line-out five metres out.
However, just as Sale looked like they were well out of reach, Sharks flanker Manu Tshituka scored an excellent try by picking up the ball at the ruck and beating England prop George Ford all ends up before racing away to the line.
Sale's lead was not short-lived though, with Tom O'Flaherty scoring his second try on 61 minutes to put Sale 19-3 ahead. The try bonus point secured for the hosts meant they had done enough to qualify, leaving Sharks reliant on other results in the Champions Cup Pool 1.
With that win over the Sharks Sale have confirmed their passage to the Investec Champions Cup last 16 where they face a tough game at Toulouse next Saturday which is likely to determine whether they have a home or away tie.
The visitors enjoyed much more possession in the second period but struggled to break down a resolute Sale defence, and it was England prop Bevan Rodd who finally gave his side the opening score of the half, collecting a kick from a line-out five metres out.
However, just as Sale looked like they were well out of reach, Sharks flanker Manu Tshituka scored an excellent try by picking up the ball at the ruck and beating England prop George Ford all ends up before racing away to the line.
Sale's lead was not short-lived though, with Tom O'Flaherty scoring his second try on 61 minutes to put Sale 19-3 ahead. The try bonus point secured for the hosts meant they had done enough to qualify, leaving Sharks reliant on other results in the Champions Cup Pool 1.
With that win over the Sharks Sale have confirmed their passage to the Investec Champions Cup last 16 where they face a tough game at Toulouse next Saturday which is likely to determine whether they have a home or away tie.
just wondering why teams keep playing with so much pack play 
it's like, you've got 80 minutes of space out there... 
can't we just open it up a bit more? 
I gotta say, what a huge momentum shift for Sale in that second half! I mean, Sharks just gave them a wake-up call and suddenly the hosts are all over them. Bevan Rodd's try was pure class, and Tom O'Flaherty's follow-up score was clinical. The crowd must've been on their feet at that point!
! i was on the edge of my seat thinking the sharks were gonna win for sure 
but those english props are just too strong 
anyway, sale's got this last 16 match against tooulouse next saturday and its goin to be a real nailbiter 
cant wait to watch it 
They totally turned the game around and proved they're not to be underestimated. I mean, who would've thought they'd come back from 3-0 down? 
It just goes to show that anything can happen in rugby, right? The way Rekeiti Ma'asi-White scored was insane! 
that Manu Tshituka's try ended up being a turning point for Sharks, but ultimately didn't change the outcome. Bevan Rodd scoring was a crucial moment for Sale and now they're looking strong to make it into the next round 
. And what's with the try bonus point securing Sale's qualification? Is that even possible in Rugby? I'd need to see some video footage or stats to believe it.
On the other hand, Sale's offense is looking pretty solid, especially with Bevan Rodd and Tom O'Flaherty getting those scores. But let's be real, they can't keep relying on other teams to mess up for them... I think they need to step it up their game if they wanna make it to the last 16 without any hiccups 
... let's not get too worked up about this one match win. It was Sale's day, and Sharks just couldn't catch a break 
. I'm sure it's tough for the Sharks team to travel with those injuries 
. For me, the real battle is who's gonna come out on top against Toulouse next weekend 
! They were down and out after just half-time but managed to mount an incredible comeback. I mean, who would've thought Bevan Rodd would be the one to break the deadlock? 
. It's going to be a real barnburner against Toulouse, that's for sure!
The way Sale took down Sharks was just pure class, you know? Bevan Rodd's try was just the icing on the cake... I mean, England prop scores a try against a tough team, that's somethin' to get excited about! 