Sale Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson has “growing belief” in his players finding ways to win after his side defeated Exeter Chiefs 28-20.
Sanderson’s men are second on the Premiership table after three wins in a powerful start to the season. Joe Carpenter scored on debut with Akker van der Merwe and skipper Ben Curry scoring tries.
Finding a way to win
The coach was delighted with how his team managed the game and found a way to get over the line against a good Exeter side.
“I have a growing sense of belief in these lads to get through games like these,” Sanderson said.
“I’m proud of the physicality and getting the monkey off the back after losing four [in a row] against them.
“We got into our kicking game and stuck to our guns with that. We started to play in the right areas which we didn’t do for the first 30 minutes.
“You have got to play in the right areas against these boys because they will farm penalties around the halfway line and then they’re into your 22 and they’re pretty lethal.
“It was about winning the territory battle and we did that better in the second half.”
Sale kicked exceptionally well, which was key to preventing Exeter from getting in their stride, and Sanderson is looking forward to what the season might hold.
“To cement this team’s identity and culture and what we’re about this season, it’s really important to get those wins early, something that we didn’t do last year.
“It’s rewarding and encouraging.”
Missed chances
Exeter coach Ali Hepher commended Sale for their game plan whilst ruing missed opportunities from his side during the clash.
“We were disappointed not to exert our game and Sale came with a great plan,” Hepher said.
“They pressured the breakdown but we played into their hands a little bit and we were sloppy at times.
“We allowed them field position and when they go to the corner so many times they’re going to score tries; you can only repel it so long.
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“We were frustrated we didn’t grab the opportunities we created and there were a few individual errors.
“We got a couple of things wrong individually, whether it was an alertness to clear or our roles in what we were supposed to do in the carry.
“We put ourselves under pressure and that becomes frustrating, but equally there were times where we could have got our attack going and we kicked ball away and lost field position.
“The guys fought hard, and we didn’t quite get there against a good side.”