Despite going down 34-14 at the hands of Northampton – who ran in five tries – Sale’s Director of Rugby Steve Diamond was keen to highlight the positives.
Sale managed to stay in touch during the first half but had no answer to the Saints’ attacking prowess after the break and Northampton sailed to victory.
Diamond was upbeat post match as the Sharks face another short turn around before facing Bath at AJ Bell stadium on Friday.
“We have got to take the positives. Overall we didn’t let ourselves down but there is a lot to work on,” he said.
“They ran away with it to 19 points but we managed to get that try just before half-time and then after the break we had a good spell.
“You come to places like Northampton and you know you have got to play very well to have a chance. It didn’t happen for us.”
Diamond repeated this sentiment with a statement on the club website on Sunday.
“After the defeat to Northampton last Friday I said in the press conference that it was pleasing to see that the players didn’t put the cue back in the rack, but battled to the end and were rewarded when Marc Jones scored in the final minute,” Diamond wrote.
“I said earlier in the season that the Aviva Premiership is now the toughest league of all where any team in the division, can, on their day beat any of the others.
“Saracens are early front runners but have Northampton and Leicester hot on their heels with Bath not far behind.”
Bath comprehensively beat London Irish at the weekend and sit four points ahead of Sale in the table.
Image courtesy of Sale Sharks Rugby Club via YouTube, with thanks.
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