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Sale Sharks 18 London Wasps 12

Jenny Dixon
8/11/2006

PHILIPPE Saint-Andre praised his side's solid defence after Sharks' 18-12 victory over London Wasps.

Replacement fly-half Daniel Larrechea kicked Sharks to victory, and third place in the Premiership, but it was the forwards not the backs who dominated Friday's battle.

Despite the absence of six men on England duty Sharks still managed to parade a star-studded line-up in front of Wasps, who were also hit by international call-ups.

In the spotlight was hirsute Sebastien Chabal who rampaged around the pitch mowing down anyone who crossed his path to the delight of Sharks' director of rugby.

Saint-Andre said: "I'm very pleased with Chabal, he had his best game of the season. I think he was man of the match. He has had some problems struggling with injury but he is back at his best form."

Argentinian brothers Ignacio and Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe were on the pitch together for the first time for Sale and clearly relished the physical contest.

While Hodgson uncharacteristically struggled to find his kicking form for England on Sunday, his deputy Larrechea missed only one penalty at Edgeley Park.

Three penalties and a drop goal from the French kicker gave Sharks a 12-6 lead at the interval, Jeremy Staunton providing Wasps' two kicks.

In the second-half another Staunton penalty edged Wasps closer but Larrechea restored the six-point gap before being forced off the pitch with a groin injury.

Substitute Lee Thomas replaced him and sealed the win for Sharks with a penalty, but the visitors were eyeing a bonus point and clinched it when Dave Walder launched a last-minute drop goal between the sticks.

Saint-Andre added: "We were a bit disappointed they got a bonus point in the end because I think we were in control of the game for 80 to 85 minutes. Our defence was very good. Against a rush defence like Wasps we knew it would be a forwards game."

• Sale Sharks: J Robinson, B Foden, M Taylor, E Seveali'i, O Ripol, D Larrechea (L Thomas 53), R Wigglesworth, E Lewis Roberts (B Stewart 64), S Bruno (A Titterrell 64), B Stewart (B Evans 40), I Fernandez Lobbe, C Day (D Schofield 40), J White, JM Fernandez Lobbe, S Chabal (M Hills 78).

Attendance: 10,417.

Referee: C White.