Saracens are sawn apart by Carpenter

Sharks show title pedigree

ALEX Sanderson’s biggest problem after Sale’s stunning comeback win was finding the superlatives to do justice to their performance.

He need not have bothered. In overturning a 16-0 deficit to run in five tries and storm to a bonus- point win, Sanderson’s players said everything about their collective desire, self-belief and title pedigree.

Joe Carpenter, outstanding at full back, scored twice for the hosts who showed their title pedigree in scintillating fashion. Saracens felt decisions went against them — they had captain alex Goode sinbinned and replacement prop robin Hislop sent off while Tom O’Flaherty’s pass to Sam James appeared to go forward. Mark McCall’s men were also missing England stars Ben Earl, Jamie George, Maro Itoje, Owen Farrell and Mako Vunipola.

Yet there was an unquenchable spirit about second-placed Sale. Sanderson said: ‘ Carpenter was exceptional, magnificent and magic — he was brave under the high balls and his footwork and pace made it a pretty complete performance.’

That Sanderson learnt his trade as a coach under McCall at Sarries merely added to the emotion of a game played in front of 10,136 fans here.

Sarries scored through alex Lewington’s delightful finish in the right corner and added a second when rising star Theo Dan barrelled over, but Goode’s yellow card on the half hour — for blocking O’Flaherty — prompted a staggering momentum shift.

Carpenter scampered in and O’Flaherty sent James over before Carpenter added his second and skipper Jono ross plundered a fourth on the hour.

Kapeli Pifeleti’s try got the visitors to within four points but they had Hislop dismissed soon after for a high tackle on Carpenter, and Jean-Luc du Preez added a fifth Sale try at the death.