Two off as Bath put Sale on the rack

BATH’S third home victory over Sale victory over Sale this year was far less stressful than the first two as the Sharks showed a generosity in defence that left their director of rugby Alex Sanderson lost for words.

- PAUL REES

Sale had spent the week dissecting their dismal display at Northampton the previous round where their sense of adventure was undermined by an inability to hold on to the ball and they conceded 40 points in the opening half.

Whatever was said must have been indigestible because within 65 seconds they were lining up under their own posts. At least the try had not resulted from a turnover, but their defence was broken far too easily one phase after a lineout drive.

Sale defended the maul well, but when Bath’s two props, Beno Obano and Thomas du Toit, stood together in the midfield, deception did not appear to be on the menu. Except it was, Obano making a dummy run that left a hole for wing Will Muir who was given a run to the line by du Toit’s deft inside pass.