Tuitavake last-gasp try helps Northampton to 20-24 win over Sale Sharks

Sale Sharks 20 - 24 Northampton Saints, Salford

Nafi Tuitavake scored a try in the final minute as Northampton Saints came from behind to beat Sale Sharks 20-24 in their Anglo-Welsh Cup clash in Salford on Saturday.

The win has taken Northampton to the top of Pool 3 while Sale Sharks slip to third in Pool 2.

After the first 29 minutes went without a point, Sam Moore crossed over for the hosts and Northampton, who failed to add a point in the first half suffered a setback when Tom Stephenson was sin-binned in the 39th minute.

Will Addison kicked a penalty a minute later as Sale Sharks ended the first half with an 8-0 lead.

Sale Sharks regrouped and showed more intensity after the break as Ken Pisi and Ben Nutley went past the line in the 47th and the 51st minutes respectively while replacement James Grayson slotted two conversions and a penalty to bring the scoreline to 13-17.

Unwilling to relent, Sale Sharks once again reclaimed the lead with a touchdown from Marc Jones that was improved by Faf de Klerk as Sale Sharks took a three point lead and just as it looked like it was all over for the Saints, Tuitavake scored a try in the 80th minute that was converted by Grayson to complete a thrilling 20-24 win.