Sale Sharks overpower Durban Sharks in Manchester to claim Champions Cup win

The visitors arrived missing several first-choice players, and while they showed plenty of fight, Sale ultimately had the measure of their opponents.

The Sharks struck first through the boot of Siya Masuku, who calmly slotted an early penalty after sustained pressure inside the Sale 22 to give the visitors a 3-0 lead.

But Sale broke through when Rekeiti Ma'asi-White powered over from close range following a spell of forward dominance. George Ford added the conversion to put the hosts 7-3 ahead, and the score remained unchanged through an absorbing first half in which both defences stood firm.

Unfortunately for the visitors, Sale would take control of the contest after the break.

Loosehead prop Bevan Rodd forced his way over from close range, with Ford again converting to stretch the lead to 14-3. Moments later, the home side struck out wide as Tom O'Flaherty finished a sweeping move on the left wing to make it 19-3.

The Sharks finally found a way through midway through the half when Vincent Tshituka crashed over under the posts to briefly reduce the deficit to nine points.

But any hopes of a sustained comeback were short-lived as Sale responded immediately.

O'Flaherty pounced on loose possession to sprint clear and score his second try under the poles, before Ford converted to re-establish a commanding 26-10 advantage, which was ultimately how it finished in Manchester.

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