Before last week’s 28-8 thumping at Leicester Tigers Steve Diamond’s men had won three games on the spin, including victories over last year’s finalists Northampton Saints and Saracens.

Sale Sharks and England’s Danny Cipriani has lauded his club’s tight squad and welcoming environment after signing a two-year deal to stay with the Manchester side.

Brady, 24 last Tuesday, shares the name of the four-time Super Bowl winning quarterback who is married to Brazilian supermodel Gisele and lifted his first crown since 2005 on February 1 when the New England Patriots trumped holders Seattle for the greatest prize in NFL: the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

This weekend England host Italy first up on Saturday (2:30pm), with Sale Sharks’ Danny Cipriani hoping for a first run out of the tournament, then Ireland take on France a few hours later (5pm) before Scotland welcome Wales on Sunday at 3pm.

Sale go to last year’s Heineken Cup and Celtic Pro 12 semi-finalists Munster this weekend still searching for their first victory in Pool A of the European Rugby Champions Cup.

Fly-half Cipriani earned his first Six Nations squad call up since 2008 on Wednesday and could play a pivotal role in Stuart Lancaster’s side as the World Cup fast approaches.

Sale’s spirited performance was not enough to avenge the 35-3 loss suffered away at last year’s finalists Clermont in their previous fixture, but a 22-13 scoreline at the AJ Bell stadium was at least respectable.

Sale have picked up just two points in Europe this campaign as they prepare to face Clermont Auvergne but last week showed their capability to challenge anyone by comfortably beating Premiership holders Northampton 20-7 in the league.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster was at the AJ Bell stadium to watch Danny Cipriani orchestrate the performance in blustery conditions as the Sharks ran out 20-7 winners against the Premiership pacesetters.

There is no let up for Sharks as they welcome reigning champions and table-toppers Northampton tomorrow who are on a seven-game winning streak and six points clear of the chasing pack.

Sale Sharks fly-half Cipriani has not featured for England since the summer tests with New Zealand and faces a stern battle for the No.10 jersey with Owen Farrell, George Ford and Stephen Myler all ahead of him in the pecking order.