Match Centre: Gallagher Premiership: Sale Sharks 23-32 Bath Rugby

Sale Sharks 23-32 Bath Rugby, Salford Community Stadium

Bath Rugby delivered a superb performance to defeat Sale Sharks 32-23 at the Salford Community Stadium, ending Sale's 11-match unbeaten home run across all competitions.

The victory, marked by clinical execution and key moments of brilliance, ensures Bath remains at the top of the Premiership standings.

The game began with Sale taking advantage of the windy conditions. Arron Reed opened the scoring in the 18th minute, finishing off a well-constructed move. A penalty from Rob du Preez extended the Sharks’ lead to 8-0 midway through the first half.

Bath responded in the 26th minute as Ruaridh McConnochie finished a flowing attack, receiving a precise pass from the backs to cross the line. Sale quickly struck back with a try from du Preez, followed by another penalty from the fly-half, giving the hosts a 16-5 advantage.

Bath closed the half with momentum, as McConnochie delivered a brilliant individual effort, darting through the defense to score. Finn Russell added the conversion, narrowing the gap to 16-12 at halftime.

Bath thought they had taken the lead early in the second half with a try from Max Ojomoh, but it was ruled out for a knock-on. Ojomoh made up for it in the 54th minute, scoring after a relentless forward effort near Sale’s try line. Russell’s conversion pushed Bath ahead for the first time, 19-16.

Russell added a penalty in the 62nd minute, extending the lead to six points. Moments later, the Scotland fly-half showcased his creativity with a quick clearance kick following a Sale knock-on. Tom Carr-Smith chased the ball, kicked it ahead, and dotted down under the posts. Another conversion from Russell gave Bath a commanding 29-16 lead.

Sale refused to go quietly, as Joe Carpenter scored late to bring the Sharks within six points after another du Preez conversion. However, with the clock in the red, Russell sealed the victory for Bath with a penalty, ensuring a final score of 32-23.

Bath’s victory solidifies their position at the top of the Premiership standings while sending a strong message to the competition. They return to action next Sunday, February 2, in the Premiership Rugby Cup against Bedford Blues at The Rec.

Team line up:

Sale: Carpenter, O'Flaherty, Addison, Ma'asi-White, Reed, R du Preez, Warr, McIntyre, Caine, John, van Rhyn, Andrews, J-L du Preez, Dugdale, D. du Preez.

Reserves: McElroy, Onasanya, Raymont, Hill, Bamber, Thomas, Wills, Bedlow

Bath: de Glanville, Cokanasiga, Ojomoh, Butt, McConnochie, Russell, Schreuder, Obano, Annett, du Toit, Roux, Ewels, Bayliss, Reid, Barbeary

Reserves: Tuipolotu, van Wyk, Sela, Molony, Richards, Carr-Smith, Bailey, Coetzee