Sale director of rugby Kingsley Jones has praised his side following their 24-18 victory over Northampton on Saturday.
International commitments did for us says coach
Sale director of rugby Kingsley Jones has praised his side following their 24-18 victory over Northampton on Saturday.
Despite the win, the 2006 champions were denied a Guinness Premiership play-off place because of victories for London Irish, Bath and Harlequins.
But after the match Jones, whose side had also clinched a bonus-point win against Harlequins last week, paid tribute to his men.
"The way the players have played in the last two weeks has been outstanding, he said
"There's been a lot of speculation about people leaving and I think it speaks volumes about the men in the dressing room that they did everything asked of them in the past couple of weeks.
"The period that killed us, of course, was during the autumn internationals.
"We had injuries and people called up to play for their countries.
Very difficult
"With a squad of 31 men, and six or seven kids, and to then be without up to 10 current internationals is very difficult.
"That's something we have identified and something going forward that we will change.
"We will always endeavour to have international players but I think it's unrealistic with a squad of 31 to have 10 internationals missing for 12 games.
"Leicester and Gloucester do it, but they have 44 men."
Jim Mallinder, Northampton director of rugby, paid tribute to departing prop Barry Stewart in his final Premiership appearance for the club before retiring.
Mallinder said: "I thought he had a really good game and scrummaged well.
Loyal
"He's been a loyal servant to us and to us. It was fitting that he ended his Premiership career here today."
And, with Tom Smith also set to retire, Mallinder acknowledged he must recruit new players to bolster his front row.
He added: "We've got some good props at the club but it's an area that we need to strengthen and that's what we'll be looking to do.
"We've finished eighth, which is quite good, and done well in the cup competitions, but we'll be looking to improve further next season.
"Northampton have the infrastructure to be a top club."