On a night when the heavens opened and unleashed a deluge over the AJ Bell Stadium, it was Sale Sharks who kept their heads above water with a hard-fought 28-10 triumph over Exeter Chiefs. The hosts had to navigate choppier waters than they would have liked against a Chiefs side still desperately searching for their first win of the season. But ultimately, Sale’s superior quality shone through the gloom to reinforce their playoff credentials.
Sharks Weather Early Storm
Exeter flew out of the blocks and took an early lead through a Henry Slade penalty. The Chiefs seemed determined to make a statement and relished the attritional conditions. However, Sale gradually imposed themselves on proceedings, pinning Exeter back in their own half for long stretches.
The breakthrough finally came midway through the first half when a slick Sale move released Luke James to slice through the Chiefs defence and dot down under the posts. From there, the Sharks never looked back.
Exeter’s Injury Woes Worsen
Exeter’s cause wasn’t helped by losing the influential Immanuel Feyi-Waboso to a shoulder injury late in the first half. The England international’s departure coincided with Sale shifting through the gears and landing a potentially knockout blow just before the break.
A scintillating break from deep ended with Tom Carpenter racing over to give Sale a commanding 18-3 lead at halftime. In rapidly deteriorating conditions, it felt like a long way back for Exeter.
Penalty Try Puts Sale Out of Sight
Any hopes of an Exeter fightback were quickly extinguished after the restart. The Sharks earned a penalty try and saw Chiefs skipper Dafydd Jenkins yellow carded for illegally collapsing a maul on his own line. At 25-3 down and a man light, Exeter were staring down the barrel.
To their credit, the visitors never threw in the towel. Jimmy Roots barged over from close range to get Exeter on the board. But Sale had the final word, clinching the bonus point when lock Jonny Hill rumbled over late on.
Sharks Still in the Hunt
This was a vital result for Sale after an inconsistent start to the campaign. It lifts them to fourth in the table at the season’s midpoint and within striking distance of the top two. After coming up short in the playoffs last term, the Sharks will view this gutsy win as a sign they have the mentality to go all the way this time around.
We knew how important this game was in the context of our season. To come through a real battle in those conditions and get maximum points is hugely pleasing. It gives us great momentum heading into a decisive period.
– Sale Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson
Exeter’s Troubles Mount
For Exeter, a ninth defeat in ten outings leaves them marooned at the foot of the Premiership. Rob Baxter’s men are already 11 points from safety and face an almighty scrap to avoid the unthinkable prospect of relegation.
While spirit and endeavour weren’t in short supply here, the Chiefs sorely lacked a clinical edge to trouble Sale where it mattered. With fixtures coming thick and fast, Exeter need to find some inspiration from somewhere – and fast.
We’re not getting the rewards for the effort we’re putting in. But we won’t feel sorry for ourselves. The only way out of this is to stick together, keep working hard and believe our luck will turn.
– Exeter Director of Rugby Rob Baxter
Sharks Show Title Credentials
With torrential rain lashing the pitch and gale-force winds swirling around the Salford stadium, this had all the makings of an ugly arm wrestle that could have gone either way. Lesser teams than Sale may have wilted, especially without several key men.
But Sanderson’s charges rolled up their sleeves and found a way, which is the hallmark of any serious title contender. Their forward pack relished the attritional battle, while livewires like scrum-half Raffi Quirke provided the artistry to complement the industry.
- 25th home win in their last 27 Premiership games at the AJ Bell Stadium
- 11 points clear of 5th place Northampton Saints in race for playoff berths
Make no mistake, Sale are well and truly in this title race. With a favourable run of fixtures to come and reinforcements returning, the Sharks will feel a first Premiership crown is within their grasp if they can maintain this form and intensity.
Chiefs Confront Grim Reality
While Exeter will take heart from making Sale dig deep for this victory, the cold, hard reality is they have now gone 10 games without a win to start the season. No team has ever recovered from such a wretched opening to avoid the drop.
- Exeter 8 points adrift at the bottom of the Premiership table
- Chiefs have won just 7 league points out of a possible 50 so far
With a third of the season already elapsed, time is fast running out for the Chiefs to launch the mother of all relegation battles. Their squad has too much talent to be in this predicament, but confidence is clearly at rock bottom.
Upcoming clashes with fellow strugglers Bath and Worcester already have a ‘must win’ look about them for Baxter’s beleaguered troops. Failure to secure victory in those games hardly bears thinking about for a club so accustomed to challenging for honours.
Premiership Playoff Picture Taking Shape
As the season approaches its midway point, the table is starting to take on a more familiar and ominous complexion for the chasing pack. While Sale are hitting their straps, perennial contenders Saracens and Leicester Tigers are beginning to ominously hit top gear.
The Sharks will be acutely aware that they must maintain this momentum to secure a top four berth and give themselves the best possible chance of Premiership glory. With marquee games against Quins and Saracens on the horizon, we’re about to learn what this Sale side are truly made of.
- Top 4 in the Premiership separated by just 5 points currently
- Champions Harlequins and Saracens lead the way on 35 points
Meanwhile, the other playoff contenders will see Exeter’s demise as a golden opportunity to cement their place in the top four. Northampton Saints currently lead the best of the rest but can ill-afford any slip-ups with the likes of Gloucester and Irish snapping at their heels.
As the nights draw in and midwinter approaches, the Premiership season is bubbling up nicely. With the title race wide open and a desperate relegation scrap already taking shape, there will be no let up in the drama or intensity. On this evidence, Sale Sharks look well equipped to be in the thick of the action on all fronts.
