They like to tell you that northern rugby matters at Sale and there can be no more compelling evidence than this. Sale Sharks edged a thunderous encounter, the kind of clash of which the titans would be proud, to take their place in their first Premiership final since 2006. It was a performance of blood and thunder, equally so from Leicester, but ultimately the Sharks have George Ford in their ranks this season and the Tigers do not.
Ford was nigh-on flawless, delivering the kind of individual showing that will make England take note. “A pocket of calm amid the chaos,” was Alex Sanderson’s pithy assessment that perfectly summed up his contribution. He also kicked the crucial penalty that gave Sale breathing room on the scoreboard in the final 10 minutes.
