Browse Sections
Interactive
Popular Sections
Partly cloudySport
| 
Submit Comments
Montpellier 14 Sale Sharks 14
21/ 1/2008
SALE Sharks wound up their European Challenge Cup group campaign amid fierce controversy in France.
Having already secured top place in Pool Five, Sale travelled to Montpellier knowing victory would bring them the added bonus of a home semi-final, should they win their quarter-final.
And after a tight, tense struggle, the Sharks looked to have achieved their objective when man-of-the-match Luke McAlister, who had scored all Sale's points with a try and three penalties, appeared to slot home a dramatic injury-time penalty kick.
The ball looked to have curved in over the right post.
But after lengthy consultations through headphones with the video referee, the referee controversially ruled out the New Zealand international's kick. It proved to be a key ruling as the draw meant Sale finished third seeds overall, behind Premiership counterparts Bath and Worcester.
As a consequence, they have the incentive of a home draw in the quarter final, probably against Brive.
Should they progress, they will be forced to take to the road in the semi-finals where, if the seedings go to plan, Sale would face a likely last four showdown against Bath.
Having accrued a perfect record from their first five group games prior to Saturday's clash, the draw was a blow to director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre, particularly as the Sharks had fought their way back from 7-3 down to lead 14-7 with just eight minutes left on the clock.
If the outcome was tough on Sale's coaching staff and the hardy band of travelling Sharks fans, it was even harsher on former All Black McAlister.
He was the talisman behind most of Sale's best work and lit up the occasion with a magnificent individual try after running at the Montpellier back line from inside Sale's own half.
The inside centre had earlier kicked Sale into a 34th-minute lead, only for Montpellier flanker Warren Britz to breach the Sharks defence three minutes later.
Federico Todeschini added the conversion.
Two minutes later, McAllister narrowed the deficit with his second penalty of the night and in first half injury time, Sale moved 11-7 ahead thanks to Big Mac's piece of individual brilliance.
And when McAlister slotted home his third penalty on 51 minutes, Sale looked in total command at 14-7.
To their credit, however, the French hosts constantly took the game to their illustrious opponents.
After several near misses, Montpellier drew level on 72 minutes when No 8 Louis Picamoles smashed his way past a tiring Sharks defensive line, with Todeschini adding another conversion.
That looked to be the final act of a dramatic evening until McAlister's late kick, which brought a controversial end to proceedings.
Got an opinion you want to share?| Company | Typical APR |
| Platinum Exclusive Loan | 7.8% |
| AA | 7.9% |
| Sainsbury's Personal Loan | 8.2% |
| Alliance & Leicester | 8.7% |
| Lloyds TSB | 8.9% |
| Abbey Personal Loan | 8.9% |
| Provider | AER* |
|
ICICI BANK HiSAVE Savings Account |
4.50% |
|
FIRST DIRECT Everyday e-Saver |
1.75% |
|
SAINSBURYS FINANCE Internet Saver |
2.25% |