Sale Sharks moved up to fifth in the Gallagher Premiership with a commanding 32-5 win over Leicester Tigers on Friday night.
There were a number of impressive performances on show, and we have picked out the best in our Sale Sharks player ratings.
15. Luke James – 7
A quiet game on an attacking front for the younger of the two James brothers. However, he kicked excellently from hand and did everything required of him in defence.
14. Denny Solomona – 9
The Sharks’ most potent attacking threat. The winger always looked to come off his wing and was dangerous with ball in hand, stepping up in the absence of Chris Ashton and Marland Yarde.
13. James O’Connor – 6
Might have scored in the first half with the try-line begging, but knocked on when looked certain to score. Otherwise a solid performance from the Australian.
12. Rohan Janse van Rensburg – 6
As with his partner in the centre, van Rensburg enjoyed a decent game. The powerhouse did miss a couple of tackles, but carried hard and always drew defenders towards him.
11. Arron Reed – 7
The winger did not see much ball, but when he did the Sale academy product was electric. Used his pace to help set up the Sharks’ third try and is developing into a brilliant young player.
10. Sam James – 8
He might not be a fly-half by trade, but James looks at home in the position. Showed some excellent touches with ball in hand, and kicked nicely as well. Sale not missing AJ MacGinty too much at the moment.
9. Faf de Klerk – 6
Not the best night for the South African. Struggled off the tee in the wet conditions and was yellow carded in the second half for a dangerous tackle. Still, a constant threat in and around the breakdown and got over for a try late in the game.
1. Valery Morozov – 8
It was no surprise that Steve Diamond singled out the Russian for praise post-match. The prop had his best game in a Sale shirt and powered his way over for a try.
2. Rob Webber – 7
Sale are going to have some serious strength in depth in this position when Akker van der Merwe joins next season. Webber enjoyed another pleasing outing against the Tigers, outshining his opposite number in Tom Youngs.
3. WillGriff John – 6
Came off with a head injury early in the second half, hopefully, it is nothing too serious. Competed well at the scrum and worked hard around the park before that.
4. Bryn Evans – 8
Enjoyed possibly his best performance of the season, forced his way over for a try and worked tirelessly until the end of the game.
5. James Phillips – 6
Often goes unnoticed, which is never a bad thing. Was integral in a Sale tight five which seemed to enjoy the wet conditions.
6. Jono Ross – 7
Part of a back row that completely outplayed their opponents. The Sale captain led his team well, tackled hard and always got over the gain line.
7. Ben Curry – 7
His brother may be away impressing for England, but Ben is shining in his absence. With more performances like this, he cannot be too far away from an international call up himself.
8. Josh Beaumont – 8
Another superb display this season from the number eight, who was well worth his try, and was a hard man to tackle throughout the game, especially off the back of the scrum. Deserved the rapturous applause when he came off.
Photo Credit: Sale Sharks
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