Sale lift European ambitions as Wasps hit by Stooke injury

Akker van der Merwe burrowed his way over for a crucial try as Sale came out on top in a fiercely contested arm-wrestle in Coventry.

The South African hooker helped boost the visitors’ chances of qualifying for the Champions Cup and dealt Wasps’ own hopes a huge blow.

Wasps led a feisty Premiership affair 7-6 at half-time but both sides were down to 14 men during the first half, with Wasps losing scrumhalf Dan Robson in the 17th minute for slapping the ball from counterpart Faf de Klerk’s hands and Sale lost flanker Jono Ross for an angry outburst to referee Ian Tempest.

The forward was annoyed with the official for awarding a try after an impressive Wasps driving maul ended with hooker Gabriel Oghre burrowing beneath a pile of bodies. Replays failed to show clearly the ball hitting the turf.

Jimmy Gopperth converted while two Robert du Preez penalties closed the gap to a point.

Wasps lock Elliott Stooke sustained a serious leg injury as he landed after jumping for the ball, his left leg buckling under him. There was a lengthy delay before he went off on a stretcher.

Wasps’ Alfie Barbeary became the third man to be sent to the sin-bin for a deliberate knock on and Sharks took advantage with Van der Merwe going over for a try converted by Du Preez, who also added a penalty.

“We had harsh words at halftime,” said De Klerk. “But it’s good to have managed to seal down a topeight place. We are playing for the respect we have for each other.”

Alex Sanderson, the Sale director of rugby, said: “It’s great to secure a European spot but we should be aiming for the top four.”