Philippe's view: Sale Sharks 7 London Irish 17

11:25am Monday 12th May 2008

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SALE director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre questioned the attitude of his players after they failed to qualify for the Premiership play-offs.

Needing just a win at home against London Irish, Sharks collapsed to a 17-7 defeat, bringing their season to abrupt end.

He said: "Last week we played well against Harlequins but today we didn't turn up.

"This season is much better than last season and at least we finished fifth and are in the Heineken Cup but this is very disappointing.

"I didn't think the attitude was right. We had no urgency, we were not desperate enough and we played with no passion.

"There were so many mistakes and we tried to find individual solutions not collective solutions.

"London Irish know how to play us here because while I have been here we have played them five times at home and lost four."

But Saint-Andre remained determined his side would come back stronger next season.

He added: "We need to come back stronger and much, much fitter.

"When it's a dry pitch and a quick game, we struggle a little bit and we showed this today.

"We need a good, long preseason to come back fitter and stronger."