Sale Sharks v Bristol Bears: Five takeaways as ‘master craftsman’ George Ford sends ANOTHER Lions message in vital win
George Ford and Raffi Quirke starred for Sale Sharks.
Following a 41-27 victory for Sale Sharks over Bristol Bears in the Premiership on Friday, here’s our five takeaways from the game at Salford Community Stadium.
Delight for Sale… despair for Bristol
This match had monumental importance in the race for the play-offs and Sale deservedly edged it as the educated boot of George Ford proved the difference as he claimed a 16-point haul.
Okay, so both teams scored five tries – but the visitors’ final two scores came late on with the game over and the hosts having switched off.
That was disappointing from Alex Sanderson’s perspective as it allowed Bristol to make the long trip home with a losing bonus point.
But that Sale were worthy winners was undeniable and they head to Exeter on May 31 knowing that victory would seal their third successive play-off appearance.
For Bristol, their hopes now hang in the balance heading into their final-day home clash with Harlequins.
Sale’s home comforts
Sanderson’s men are formidable on home soil and they proved that again by running out worthy victors against the Bears.
This latest success gave them a 26th win from 29 Premiership games at the Salford Community Stadium dating back to the start of the 2022/23 campaign.
That is impressive to say the least.
Okay, so the Salford Community Stadium is not the most homely of stadiums but few visiting teams go there and win. Just ask Bristol.
Ford stars once again for Sale
When will Sale’s master craftsman tire of teasing and tormenting rival defences with his array of attacking skills?
The England fly-half was recently overlooked by Andy Farrell for a place in the British & Irish Lions squad for their summer tour of Australia.
But he continues to prove invaluable to his club and is arguably in the best form of his Sale career.
When he exerts this kind of influence, few players in his position can rival Ford; certainly in the Premiership.
Bristol in danger of falling short again
Pat Lam has been backed heavily in the transfer market and everything at Bristol is geared up for success.
The genial Bears boss has been credited with changing the culture of the club since his arrival.
But what should not be overlooked is the fact they have not made the Premiership play-offs since the 2020/21 season.
Failure to make the top four again would not be a good look for a club so ambitious.
Raffi Quirke – remember him?
The local lad from Manchester is a supremely-talented player but his progress in recent years has been hampered by injuries.
So to see him come off the bench and score a delightful second-half try was heartening.
His ability has been clear to see since he made his England debut against Australia in 2021 and scoring the winning try against South Africa in that autumn’s series.
Now he looks ripe to try and help Sale become champions for the first time since 2006.
