Sale Sharks boss Alex Sanderson is eyeing a home play-off in the Premiership after his side’s 36-20 victory over Bristol Bears on Friday.
The win confirmed a top-four finish for Sanderson’s men, and Sale only need one more win from their last two games to guarantee a home play-off.
Confirming belief
Sanderson said the away success against Bristol confirmed their belief heading into the business end of the season after a “more complete performance”.
“It is tough against the best teams away from home,” Sanderson said.
“You want to maintain form – you have to, going into finals. Us maintaining form means we win again and get a home semi-final. That is the basics of it.
“We needed that tonight. We’ve been nearly there, nearly there, and we’ve had enough of saying that. It was a good time to find a bit of form.
“It is confirmation of our belief. That was a more complete performance, and the big players finding form at this time in the season is crucial.”
Manu Tuilagi put in a promising shift against Bristol, and Sanderson gave an update on the England centre’s contract situation.
Sanderson added: “It is not signed, not sealed, but it has been delivered. There were other moving parts with regards to the salary cap which slotted into place today.
“I’ve been there before when the rug gets pulled from under your feet, and a French or Japanese team come in with £1 million.
“I am never going to stand in his way if that’s what is right for him and his family. It’s right for him to stay with us for all the reasons.”
Praise for the Curry brothers
The director of rugby heaped praise on the Curry brothers , Tom and Ben, who were brilliant on the night and shared the man of the match award.
“They are probably playing some of their best rugby,” Sanderson said.
“They are loving it, coming to their maturation. What are they? 24 now.
“Tom has had his recognition, and Ben is richly deserving getting his. It’s fitting they got men of the match tonight.
“I can’t wax more lyrically about them. They are good lads, great to work with, super-enthusiastic.
“Both could have a captain’s armband, but Ben is carrying that torch, and Tom is supporting him, which is great.”
Meanwhile, Bristol boss Pat Lam admits the result was disappointing, and the focus is now on securing Champions Cup qualification.
“Whenever we play Sale, it comes down to the physical battle, and 100 per cent they won that tonight,” Lam said.
“We made it difficult for ourselves. We gave 12 points away before they even got in our 22. All in all, it was disappointing.
“When you have got a kicker like George Ford, and in those (wet) conditions, three points are like five points.
“For us now, it is about making sure we secure Champions Cup (qualification) for next season.”
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