Sale, who have won one and lost one in their opening EPCR fixtures this season, controlled the contest from the off running in five tries – fly-half Rob du Preez starring with 18 points.

Tom O’Flaherty notched a lone first half try for the hosts before Simon McIntyre, Ewan Ashman and Du Preez dotted down in the second period – in addition to a penalty try.

Leicester, who have enjoyed an excellent start to their Heineken Champions Cup Pool B campaign with wins over Ospreys and ASM Clermont Auvergne, landed a solitary second half try through Handré Pollard.

Tigers travel to Clermont when round three commences on Friday, January 13, while Sale Sharks host five-time European champions Stade Toulousain a day later.

In the United Rugby Championship, Edinburgh Rugby, who are in the mix to qualify from Pool A, fell to a 25-32 reverse at the hands of Scottish rivals Glasgow Warriors.

Edinburgh led 20-12 at the break thanks to tries from Jamie Ritchie and Luke Crosbie, as well as eight points from the boot of Emiliano Boffelli.

However, the Scottish outfit notched just a single try in the second period, Patrick Harrison the scorer.

Meanwhile, in the TOP 14, Union Bordeaux-Bègles, who lost both their opening Heineken Champions Cup Pool A fixtures, defeated Montpellier Hérault Rugby, who are in contention in Pool B, 40-10.

Heineken Champions Cup Pool B contenders Sale Sharks produced a sensational performance at the AJ Bell Stadium as they defeated Leicester Tigers 40-5 on Friday evening in the Gallagher Premiership.