Saracens go top despite defeat

SARACENS moved top of the Premiership table despite being well beaten by Sale Sharks at the AJ Bell Stadium.

England international Billy Vunipola returned from injury to touch down for Saracens early on but Sam James crossed to cut their lead.

Denny Solomona then scored to put Sale ahead and the visitors had England fly-half Owen Farrell sent to the bin for a high arm on Chris Ashton just before half-time.

Rob du Preez kicked Sale into a sizeable lead but Nick Tompkins’ late try gave Sarries a losing bonus point.

The victory means Sale move up to fourth in the Premiership table courtesy of their fifth successive victory and Saracens moved above Exeter at the top, although both teams have 47 points and Exeter face Bristol at home today.

England No 8 Vunipola made a perfect return from the broken arm he sustained in October as he scored the opening try of the match after seven minutes.

Coming into the game off the back of an impressive 30-15 win against Gloucester, James’s try clawed Sale to within two points of the visitors after Du Preez and Farrell exchanged penalties. Solomona touched down moments later as Sale began to seize control of much of the match either side of the break.

Saracens’ task was made harder, however, when Christopher Tolofua was yellow-carded for an off-the-ball tackle midway through the second half.

Vunipola’s return to action will provide a boost to England coach Eddie Jones ahead of the Six Nations, with England starting their campaign with a visit to defending champions Ireland on February 2.