Hodgson returns to haunt Sale

Charlie Hodgson kicked 20 points against his former club as Saracens crushed Sale 45-9 to go the top of the Aviva Premiership table.

The champions scored two first half tries through Chris Wyles and Ernst Joubert and although Sale's Nick Macleod responded with three penalties in the opening period, the Sharks could not open up a resilient Saracens defence.

And after two further Hodgson penalties had extended their advantage, Alex Goode, Michael Tagicakibau and Hugh Vyvyan all went over in the second period to seal the win.

Fearing Steve Borthwick's prowess in the lineout, Sale decided to go with two lightweight second-rows in James Gaskell and Kearnan Myall.

Despite their lack of power at lock, it was from a scrum penalty that the Sharks had their first attempt at the posts. However, Macleod's kick drifted underneath the bar.

Although the visitors gave away a further penalty at the scrum, John Smit and Co stabilised the front row battle.

And it was from a solid set-piece that Saracens opened the scoring. After Hodgson had powered a flat pass to Wyles, the centre splintered a static Sale defence to go over.

The fly-half converted and then added a penalty as the Watford-based outfit raced into a 10-0 lead after 18 minutes.

However, Macleod slotted a three-pointer of his own, but despite dominating possession, the hosts were struggling to break through a stubborn Saracens rearguard.

Mistakes

Mistakes were also creeping into their play and when they failed to take a high ball, visiting scrum-half Neil de Kock collected before feeding Joubert who touched down in the corner for an unconverted score.

Sale's stand-off then reduced the deficit with a penalty, but after Wyles and James Short had combined, Sharks were caught offside.

Hodgson kicked the resulting penalty and the visitors led 18-6. However, with half-time looming, the hosts went for one last surge. It eventually paid off when Macleod added his third three-pointer.

But Sale continued to make mistakes in the second period and it was Hodgson who capitalised.

His two quick-fire penalties took Saracens out to a 24-9 advantage and even at that stage the win seemed assured.

The Sharks tried to force their way back into the game, but the champions simply went up a gear.

It was no surprise to see the visitors go over for their third try when de Kock broke the gain-line and fed Goode for a simple score.

Tagicakibau got the fourth try when a flowing move ended with the winger going over to confirm the bonus point.

Hodgson converted before Vyvyan touched down late on, with Hodgson fittingly having the final say.