Advertisement
Sale Sharks director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, says his side have nothing to apologise for after their impressive performance in defeat against Toulouse.
Willis (1'), Cros (45'), Marchand (58'), Capuozzo (73'), Cramont (76')
Tries
James (4'), Hill (29')
Ramos (2', 46', 59', 74', 77')
Conversions
Ford (30')
Ramos (35')
Penalties
Ford (21')
Sale Sharks director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, says his side have nothing to apologise for after their impressive performance in defeat against Toulouse.
Very few gave the English northerners a hope in hell that they'd be able to advance into the last eight when the draw for the knockout stages was released.
Sale came in having lost their last seven away games in the Champions Cup and faced arguably the toughest prospect in world rugby - visiting last season's European and Top 14 double winners in their own back yard.
Sale worried Toulouse’s Galacticos with fine first half
However, the visitors rattled their hosts with the Curry brothers proving menaces at the breakdown and Luke James and Jonny Hill crossed for first half tries which gave them a 15-10 lead.
Toulouse turned on the style in the second period with Francois Cros, Julian Marchand, Ange Capuozzo and Guillaume Cramont crossing to overcome their minor scare with a commanding 38-15 win.
Sanderson left with his head held high
But Sanderson is proud of how his troops stood tall, and said: "They are all heart in this group.
"I've had two lads come up and apologise, and I said I'm not having it, lads. There is nothing to apologise about, they gave it all tactically and mentally. I'm gutted, but you hurt, and you heal, and we'll be tighter for it.
"We know we have to have more to win trophies, but they put their bodies on the line for each other. I couldn't be prouder of the group. They showed real grit, we just need to be better in our execution."
Sale captain Ben Curry added: "There were so many positives, but that doesn't make it easier. They are an 80-minute team. We went toe-to-toe and beat them for 50 minutes, but they have such a great 23-man squad.
"They got us in that last 30 minutes."
