The Champions Cup campaign for Sale Sharks was inaugurated with an impressive victory over Stade Français. Executing under the leadership of Alex Sanderson, the premiership leaders exhibited their prowess and asserted themselves as a formidable presence in a challenging group that includes La Rochelle and Leinster.
Amidst the uncertainty that typically accompanies the commencement of a new tournament format, Sale Sharks demonstrated their ability to thrive on the European stage. George Ford’s two penalties granted them a narrow advantage at half-time, and they elevated their performance in the second half, securing three tries within a mere 20 minutes to take command of the game.
In contrast, Stade Français, known for their inconsistency, failed to meet the high expectations associated with their runners-up status. The Parisian side struggled to keep pace with Sale Sharks, painting a daunting picture for their qualification prospects from the challenging pool.
Despite initial missed opportunities, Sale Sharks eventually capitalized on their attacking prowess. The noteworthy contributions of Tom O’Flaherty and Jonny Hill, along with Tom Curtis’ crucial conversions, proved pivotal. The introduction of Raffi Quirke injected fresh energy into the Sharks’ offense, culminating in a fantastic try by Sam Dugdale.
While a bonus-point victory eluded Sale Sharks, their dominant performance against Stade Français stands as a commendable achievement. The team’s resilience and proficiency on the field exemplified their notable development in recent years.
This victory not only sets a positive tone for Sale Sharks in the Champions Cup, but also solidifies their reputation as a formidable contender in the highly competitive competition. As the tournament progresses, Sale Sharks will undoubtedly aim to build upon this early success and make a lasting impression on the European stage.