SALE Sharks scored 7 tries against a plucky Oyonnax outfit at the AJ Bell Stadium. The visitors weren't a bad side but Sale Sharks were quite simply outstanding.

Sale took to the field knowing this was a must win game as Biarritz had picked up a bonus point win against Worcester Warriors.

The crowd observed a minutes silence before the game in memory of the late Nelson Mandela.

Sale had the first chance of the game to put points on the board after 8 minutes when Oyonnax were penalised at the scrum. Danny Cipriani took his time and kicked the ball between the sticks 3-0.

Defences were holding firm with neither side managing to make many metres but Sharks doubled their lead on 22 minutes when Danny Cipriani kicked his second penalty.

Sale scored the games first try on 24 minutes when Danny Cipriani took a quick tap penalty 20 metres out.

On 31 minutes Danny intercepted a stray pass from Oyonnax and dashed in for a try. His conversion was perfect and Sharks led 20-0.

Skipper Dan Braid scored a great try as the Oyonnax scrum crumbled under pressure on 35 minutes. Cipriani converted and Sharks were 27-0 in front.

A minute before the break Sammy Tuitupou found Mark Cueto on the wing with a perfect pass and Cueto rolled back the years and sprinted in for a great try wrong footing two defenders.

On 49 minutes it became the Danny Cipriani masterclass with an incredible solo try that brought all the crowd to their feet. He converted the try to make it 41-0.

Sharks reacted positively to the second of Oyonnax's tries with a sweeping crossfield move finished by full back Rob Miller who fought off the attempts of two tackles to score. Sadly Cipriani's 100% record was ended as his conversion sailed narrowly wide. 46-14.