In a thrilling encounter at Twickenham Stoop, Sale Sharks delivered a stunning performance, defeating Harlequins 43-29 in a match that showcased the intensity of the Premiership as it enters its final stretch. Tom Curry, the 26-year-old flanker, made a strong case for his inclusion in this summer's Lions tour by scoring two tries, helping his team secure a crucial bonus-point victory that propels them into the top four of the league.
The match kicked off with Harlequins showing their intent early on, as they surged to a 10-0 lead within the first eight minutes. A penalty from Marcus Smith followed by a try from Jack Kenningham, who bulldozed through the Sale defense after receiving a pass from Alex Dombrandt, put the home side firmly in control. However, Sale responded with vigor, demonstrating their resilience and attacking prowess.
Sale's first try came shortly after, with hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie finishing off a powerful forward drive to get his team on the scoreboard. The Sharks capitalized on their momentum, and following a ferocious carry from prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Tom Wood crashed over the line to give Sale the lead at 12-10. This turnaround was remarkable, considering they were down by ten just moments earlier.
As the match progressed, the Sharks continued to assert their dominance, with Curry scoring his first try of the match after a slick pass from George Ford. The visitors took a 26-15 lead into halftime, with Curry's second try coming just before the break, showcasing his determination and skill as he powered over from close range.
After the interval, Sale maintained their momentum, and Jonny Hill added to their tally with a try that extended the lead to 31-15. Jean-Luc du Preez followed suit, scoring the Sharks' sixth try of the match, and it seemed as though Sale would run away with the victory. However, Harlequins displayed resilience, with Cameron Anderson crossing for a try and Nathan Jibulu adding another, narrowing the gap to just 14 points with time still on the clock.
Despite their efforts, the Quins could not overcome the Sharks' formidable display. A loose pass from Tom Waghorn allowed Tom Roebuck to scoop up the ball and stroll over for Sale's final try, sealing the victory at 43-29. The match was a testament to Sale's attacking capabilities, as they scored six tries, all crafted through powerful forward play and swift backline movements.
As the Premiership season enters its final stages, this victory places Sale in a strong position as they vie for playoff contention. The Sharks' director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, noting that they are timing their playoff run perfectly.
On the other hand, Harlequins will have to regroup after this defeat, especially following their previous humiliating loss of 62-0 to Leinster. The Quins are currently in the hunt for a semi-final spot, but their inconsistent performances raise questions about their ability to compete at the highest level.
With the playoffs looming, the stakes are higher than ever. Sale's victory not only boosts their confidence but also sends a clear message to their rivals: they are a force to be reckoned with as they aim for Premiership glory.
