James at his best as Sale keep in the race

SAM James might be departing for pastures new but Sale’s Mr Dependable produced a nigh on immaculate performance at full-back as they continue to battle for a play-off place.

- BRENDAN GALLAGHER

On his last home appearance James, the man-of-the-match by a distance, played the last minute with tears cascading down his cheeks but for the previous 79 minutes he was a cold eyed killer as Sale went in search of the bonus point win they needed to stay in contention.

Save for one dropped high ball it’s difficult to recall a false move or mistake from the versatile James who went through his full repertoire of clever kicks, passes and offloads.

There was also a rapturously received first-half try and a sumptuous second-half nudge through which gifted a try for wing Tom O’Flaherty.

James has played most of his career at Sale at centre but has regularly deputised at 10 and 15 and, given his skillset and given England’s perennial selectorial issues in the midfield, it seems inconceivable that he didn’t warrant an extended run at some stage.