Sale too clinical for Connacht

A game of two halves as the first accounted for 23 points versus 7 in the second. This was largely due to the way the home side decided to play the game as they came out guns blazing in the first half. Two quick tries from Denny Solomona and Byron McGuigan immediately put Sale on the front foot. The second half required a huge defence effort as Connacht came out chasing a 17 point deficit. The home side did well to defend the Connacht wave and in the end were too strong for their opposition as they won 20 - 10

The key performances for this evenings playoff were:

Denny Solomona - Sale Sharks

A rather quiet second half from the 25 year old this evening, however it was what he did in the first half that was the real difference. Known for his finishing the Auckland born New Zealander was inffluential once again this evening as he managed to go over in the 15th minute. While he did not have much to do it was this try that motivated the home side to push through to lead 20 - 3 at half time. He further assited his side with 50 metres in 10 carries.

Jono Ross - Sale Sharks

While Connacht came hard at the Sale Sharks in the second half it was this man that led what was a really impressive defence effort. A total of 15 tackles made. The South African born openside was absolutely instrumental for his side. He additionally contributed with 13 carries proving a rather all round performance for the former Stade Francais South African.

Kyle Godwin - Connacht

Went missing in the first half, however it was his second half performance that brought an interesting end to the game. The outside centre who has been capped once by the Wallabies has been carrying with some intent this lately and tonight was no different. He scored his sides only try as he managed to shrug his opposite number off while carrying a further two defenders over with him.

Faf  De Klerk - Sale Sharks

Quick ball was on tonights menu and it was served by none other than the nippy South African first choice scrumhalf. 63 passes were completed by the 27 year old, carrying 5 times and offloading twice. However it was his ability to set his forwards and backs off quickly that go Sale on the front foot. In the end he was the deserving man of the match winner.