Leicester Tigers fight back to beat Sale Sharks 44-34 in classic Premiership clash

Leicester Tigers delivered one of their most thrilling performances of the season, coming from behind to defeat Sale Sharks 44–34 at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

Trailing by 10 points at halftime, the Tigers exploded into life in the second half, scoring 28 points to claim a crucial bonus-point win and move into second place on the Gallagher Premiership table.

The game burst into action within minutes. Sale struck first through hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie, who crashed over in the 3rd minute after a dominant rolling maul.

Leicester responded immediately. Just two minutes later, Adam Radwan finished off a swift counter-attack to score in the corner, and Handré Pollard's conversion levelled the score at 7–7.

From there, Sale began to take control. Rekeiti Ma’asi-White added their second try in the 11th minute, and winger Arron Reed got in on the action midway through the half with a well-finished effort. Both were converted by George Ford, who kept the scoreboard ticking.

Despite being under pressure, Leicester stayed in touch through the boot of Pollard, who slotted three penalties to bring the score to 21–16.

But a powerful run by Rob du Preez just before the interval resulted in another Sale try, again converted by Ford, giving the visitors a 26–16 lead at the break.

Leicester came out with renewed intensity. In the 50th minute, a pinpoint cross-field kick from Pollard found Ollie Hassell-Collins, who beat his opposite man to dot down. Pollard nailed the conversion to reduce the deficit to just three points.

Hassell-Collins wasn’t done. Nine minutes later, he intercepted a loose pass and sprinted clear to give Leicester the lead for the first time in the match. Another successful kick from Pollard made it 30–26.

Ford temporarily narrowed the gap with a penalty for Sale, but the Tigers were far from finished. In the 72nd minute, Emeka Ilione powered over after relentless phase play, pushing the Tigers to a 37–29 lead.

Although Rob du Preez hit back quickly with his second try, Ilione had the final word—bursting through tired defenders in the 80th minute to secure his brace and the game for Leicester. Pollard's conversion completed the 44–34 scoreline.