Sale Sharks picked up an excellent bonus-point win over Clermont Auvergne, strengthening their chances of reaching the knockout stages of the Investec Champions Cup.
Sale made a fast start and were 20-7 ahead at half-time, scoring three tries despite Clermont having more of the ball. Tom O’Flaherty scored early, and tries from Marius Louw and Arron Reed put the English side in control.
Early in the second half, Sale were reduced to 14 men when Reed was shown a yellow card, and a potential Sale try was ruled out. Clermont took advantage and scored to close the gap.
However, Sale defended well under pressure and then finished the match strongly, scoring 15 unanswered points. Joe Bedlow marked his Champions Cup debut with a try, and Alex Wills added another to seal a convincing victory and the all-important bonus point.
