Hodgson the architect of Saints' destruction

Sale 37 - Northampton 24

This could well have been a defining day in the life of the Robinsons. England's head coach, Andy Robinson, will be grateful that his captain, Jason Robinson, had recovered from an injury to his left leg and will be fit to play against Wales on Saturday. He looked as sharp as ever. Sale resisted the temptation to parade Mrs Robinson as part of the pre-match entertainment, but here's to you, Charlie Hodgson, for remaining injury-free and for your 17 points. The rest of the England hopefuls came through unscathed.

This could well have been a defining day in the life of the Robinsons. England's head coach, Andy Robinson, will be grateful that his captain, Jason Robinson, had recovered from an injury to his left leg and will be fit to play against Wales on Saturday. He looked as sharp as ever. Sale resisted the temptation to parade Mrs Robinson as part of the pre-match entertainment, but here's to you, Charlie Hodgson, for remaining injury-free and for your 17 points. The rest of the England hopefuls came through unscathed.

Northampton's chances were hardly helped when Marc Stcherbina, Bruce Reihana and Shane Drahm failed late fitness tests. It seemed Ben Cohen would be repositioned at centre instead of having a run on the wing before Andy Robinson finalises his line-up for Cardiff. But although Cohen wore the No 12 jersey he played on the left wing throughout. Sale selected from an almost full-strength squad.

The home forwards were quickly into their stride. Andy Titterrell made inroads towards the posts and the ball was moved left for Hodgson to put Steve Hanley in at the corner. Hodgson converted and Sale were on their way. But the Northampton forwards were not here just to make up the numbers. Selborne Boome bossed the line-out, while Andrew Blowers and Matt Lord have been revitalised since Budge Pountney took over as Saints' coach in mid-November. Paul Grayson kept them in the hunt with three penalties and a dropped goal, while Steve Thompson scored a first-half try with an assist by Blowers.

Almost imperceptibly, Sale were gaining the upper hand. Hodgson banged over another penalty and Magnus Lund raced 40 metres for a try when Blowers was dispossessed, and although Grayson kicked his third penalty Sale led 20-17 at the interval.

Hanley's second try - courtesy of Hodgson's long cut-out pass - with the conversion and another penalty by the England outside-half took it to 30-17 and, with the game all but won, Sale's only target was a bonus point. With four minutes remaining a huge drive produced the try for Stuart Turner.

Cohen gave it one last hurrah and Grant Seely scored a runaway try in the fifth minute of stoppage time, but Saints will know they could well have suffered an even heavier defeat, had it not been for their spirit in adversity.

Sale: J Robinson (capt); M Cueto, J Baxendell, R Todd (C Mayor, 78), S Hanley; C Hodgson (M Hercus, 78), B Redpath (R Wigglesworth, 80); A Sheridan, A Titterrell (S Bruno, 48), B Stewart (S Turner, 58), C Jones (C Day, 73), D Schofield, J White, S Chabal, M Lund (J Carter, 71).

Northampton: P Diggin; W Human, C Hyndman, M Tucker (B Jones, 86), B Cohen; P Grayson, J Howard (A Vilk, 85); T Smith, S Thompson, R Morris (B Sturgess, 68), S Boome (D Browne, 40), M Lord, A Blowers (G Seely, 57), R Beattie (M Soden, 49), D Fox.

Referee: S Davey (Surrey).