LONDON: Former Australian golden boy James O’Connor scored a try on his debut for Sale as the Sharks humiliated Gloucester 57-10 in their Premiership clash on Friday.
O’Connor, who has been offered a chance to rebuild his career yet again after being fined for a cocaine bust in Paris earlier this year when he was with Toulon, came on in the second-half having missed the first four games because of an ankle injury and made an immediate impact.
However it was South African-born back Byron McGuigan who dominated the try count with a hat-trick, including a stunning 60 metres solo effort – Denny Solomona also grabbed a brace – as Sale ran rampant with eight tries.
United States Ireland-born kicker AJ McGinty contributed 15 points to send Sale up to fifth in the table – only their second win this term – and suggest they can live up to the “dark horses” tag many gave them at the outset of the campaign.
Newcastle Falcons top the table after a bonus point 29-17 victory over London Irish, who are finding life back among the elite tough with their opening day victory over Harlequins a distant memory.
They also face an anxious wait to see how serious is a shoulder injury suffered by Fijian star Napolioni Nalaga.
Vereniki Goneva scored two tries for the Falcons who recorded their fourth win in five matches – the best start they have had in 20 years.
Newcastle are top by a point from the only team to get the better of them this term Saracens, the two-time European champions beat bottom side Worcester Warriors 25-3 with Chris Wyles touching down twice.
Exeter could go back to the top of the table if they beat Leicester on Saturday. — AFP