In what I can only describe as the best Sale performance I have ever seen against Tigers this weekend, I ask, just where is the limit for this Sale side?
Without question, Sale were utterly dominant from minute one against the reigning champs this weekend. Now, I’ll start off early with the caveats.
Yes it was Wigglesworths first away game in charge. Yes Tigers were error ridden throughout and yes they were shot to bits by injuries, ending the last 20 minutes with JVP at 10 and a replacement hooker in the centres.
But ultimately, Sale were never going to be stopped. Match the ferocity of the Curry brothers with the freedom of Rob Du Preez and Sam James and it is a very exciting combination. And while this Sale side has many superstars, some of which are still to return, it is the Premiership regulars who have really been turning it on for them this year.
Gus Warr at 9 has been so impressive and provided the speed of ball behind the energic pack. Tom Roebuck and Joe Carpenter in the back three have been electric and have often provided the spark when it is needed. But it is Rob Du Preez that has extraordinary this season. He looks completely transformed from the player of previous seasons who often made the wrong decision at the wrong time.
Now he is the true leader of this Sale side and is without the cliché, the glue that behinds the freedom of the backline with the brutality of the pack.
What a wonderful headache Sanderson has to look forward to with the introduction of George Ford in a few weeks time.
Sale will likely continue this rich vein of form throughout the Six Nations campaign, although they will probably lose 5 or 6 internationals the spine of their team remains just as sound and coherent.
And on Sanderson, he seems totally comfortable as DOR now. By his own admission, he felt he had ‘cracked’ premiership rugby within his first six months only to find out about the high level of graft and consistency required to maintain performance in this league.
Sanderson and Sale truly look like they are now in a groove heading into the second half of the season.
A big test in Quins awaits this week, but Sale genuinely look like the real deal, and not many can dispute that after despatching Tigers in the way they did.
Just how far can they go? Twickenham for the final on the 27 May 2023 seems like a sensible answer.
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