Sale v Northampton: Five takeaways as ‘pugnacious’ Henry Pollock dazzles but ‘master craftsman’ George Ford steers Sharks to victory
Sale Sharks fly-half George Ford steered his side to a vital Premiership win over Northampton Saints.
It was thrill-a-minute tonight at the Salford Community Stadium as Sale Sharks edged out defending champions Northampton 27-24 to give their play-off hopes a massive boost.
Rising Saints star Henry Pollock scored a stunning individual effort and England team-mate Tom Roebuck bagged a brace for the hosts.
Here, Planet Rugby looks at the key talking points surrounding the game.
Henry Pollock is going to be a superstar
The 20-year-old back-rower, who recently notched a brace on his England debut against Wales, was at it again here, claiming a stunning individual effort which was so good even the home fans rose to applause.
Collecting possession just inside Sale‘s half, the pugnacious Pollock showed remarkable daring and ambition to chip over a clutch of home defenders before having the strength and skill to collect possession and ground the ball.
That levelled matters at 17-17 at the start of the second half and prompted talk that Pollock could be a bolter for the Lions squad this summer.
Sale’s play-off hopes are alive and well
Victory was non-negotiable for Alex Sanderson’s men as they held on during a tense finale to secure a bonus-point win.
The result lifted them up to fourth and into the final play-off spot – temporarily at least – ahead of the rest of the weekend’s games.
But the spirit displayed by the Sharks bodes well for their remaining Premiership games as they look to squeeze into the end of-season lottery.
‘Andy Farrell, are you watching?’ – Henry Pollock makes Lions statement with stunning try for Saints
Could they do it? You certainly wouldn’t rule it out.
Their home ground on the outskirts of Salford is uninviting and few visiting teams go there and win.
Tom Roebuck continues to impress
Roebuck is enjoying arguably the best season of his career and scored twice during the first half to maintain his fine form.
Tall and rangy but with impressive strength and speed, Roebuck produced a couple of fine finishes to show once again why he is one of best wingers in the Premiership.
We know Roebuck is in Steve Borthwick’s thoughts and this latest masterclass will give the England boss another reminder.
Northampton’s season is all but over
You could not fault Northampton‘s desire during an enthralling game which saw them push Sale to the death.
But this was a game they needed to win to realistically keep alive their hopes of a top-four finish.
Ultimately they fell just short, and Phil Dowson’s men are all but certain to finish outside the play-off places.
After being stuffed at home by sworn enemies Leicester Tigers last Friday, this was a welcome response and showed there is plenty of talent – and indeed desire – in the Saints’ ranks.
George Ford remains the master craftsman
The mercurial fly-half was at the heart of everything for Sale with a typically industrious display.
His educated boot and artful handling were to the fore during the first half in particular when Sale scored three tries.
In the end, his penalty proved the difference in the Sharks taking home the points.
Ford was sin-binned and was involved in a bit of argy-bargy but his class endures.
Little wonder he is being talked about as a potential inclusion in the Lions squad this summer.
His game-management is superb and he is like an extra coach at times with his excellent communication skills, on and off the field.
