Sale 13-34 Leicester

Leicester racked up 31 unanswered second half points to record an impressive 34-13 victory over Sale and boost their faltering season.

Leicester began the match brightly, regathering their own kick-off and putting a number of phases together before Alesana Tuilagi knocked the ball on out wide. The Tigers also asserted their huge superiority in the scrum in the early stages and after 10 minutes Toby Flood gave them a deserved 3-0 lead. After a scrappy period with Leicester again dominating possession, Sale then picked up the pace and fly-half Nick Macleod made the most of two penalties in quick succession to give the Sharks the lead. The game then sprang into life with five minutes remaining in the first half as Leicester were unable to capitalise on a typically bulldozing run from Tuilagi. The Sale counter-attack culminated in Tom Brady taking advantage of sloppy Leicester defensive organisation to score in the corner and give his side a 13-3 half time lead. The Tigers began the second half even more impressively than the first and after Flood reduced their arrears, Tuilagi came in off his wing to crash over under the posts and level the scores. Going into the final quarter Leicester, visibly growing in confidence, looked fitter and stronger and executed a trademark driving lineout perfectly allowing substitute Martin Castrogiovanni to flop over from close range. Moments later Sale were on the back foot once more and after several forward pick and drives, Flood was afforded the space to scythe through the midfield and touch down underneath the posts. Marcos Ayerza added a fourth try late on to secure a bonus point for the Tigers, capping off an excellent comeback and giving them a much-needed win after just one in their previous six games during the World Cup.