
Sale Sharks fly-half Rob du Preez attempts to break a tackle
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.
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.
No other team has beaten more defenders collectively than @EdinburghRugby so far this season 💪
Rate their chances of making the #HeinekenChampionsCup knockouts ⬇️
Extended highlights: https://t.co/IDN4FU2wp2 pic.twitter.com/dxCApPZ96a
— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) December 30, 2022
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.