AT times Sale sparkled but the flaws were still evident as they continued their preseason campaign with a narrow 38-29 win over Leeds Carnegie.

Fielding a backline flush with star names, Sharks unsurprisingly packed plenty of punch, running in five tries, including debut scores for Mathew Tait and Andy Tuilagi.

But after leading 38-10 with less than 20 minutes to go, it was the team’s frailties that came to the fore.

The hosts meekly allowed Leeds three unanswered tries to make the final margin of victory slightly less comfortable than anticipated.

It gave Sharks’ coaching staff plenty to work with and plenty to work on ahead of the new campaign, which kicks off on September 7 with a trip to Newcastle.

The foundations are most definitely there - one look at Sale’s starting line-up provided all the evidence needed to prove that point.

Particularly behind the scrum, they have the resources to match any team in the world, fieldinga half back pairing of Dwayne Peel and Charlie Hodgson and a centre pairing of Luke McAlister and Mathew Tait against Leeds.

There was also an Edgeley Park return for Rory Lamont at his preferred position of full back.

The Scottish international was limited to just 10 appearances in his first season with the club due to injury and international call-ups and on this evidence, his return to full fitness will provide a much-needed injection of pace and invention into the backs.

In the early stages of the match, it appeared Sharks’ talent would immediately deliver on their promise.

Quick ball from Peel got the backs moving and with all players attempting to keep the ball alive and offload in the tackle, Sale played with real verve and purpose.

It was no surprise then that they took the lead, McAlister making a powerful burst through the middle before offloading to Sebastien Bruno, who trundled over the line. Hodgson converted.

But despite their National League status, Leeds were no pushovers and soon pulled themselves back onto level terms.

A neat grubber from Jason Strange sliced Sharks open and a clever tap pass from Tom Biggs gave Mike MacDonald a simple run to the line .

Hodgson kicked a penalty to restore the hosts’ advantage before two tries in the final six minutes of the first half put them in command.

The first came when the quick-thinking Mark Cueto intercepted a loose pass deep inside his own half and raced towards the opposition line. Although he was tackled on the Leeds 22, he managed to pop the ball up to Tait who dashed in to score.

Then, on the stroke of half time, Chris Jones touched down following a powerful burst from Andrew Sheridan. Hodgson kicked the extras on both to make it 24-7.

Leeds gave as good as they got in the second half but Sharks’ star power shone through again as McAlister made another stunning break to send in Tuilagi and cap a superb flowing move.

A Strange penalty cut the gap but it seemed to be game over when Hodgson’s incisive break released Richard Wigglesworth and the scrum half sent in Jones for his second try. Hodgson again added both conversions to make it 38-10.

But Leeds weren’t done and with both sides making a raft of changes, it was the visitors who adapted better to the changing game.

Tom Denton battered his way over the line 11 minutes from time before Richard Welding ensured a rough ride for the hosts late on.

The replacement wing made a dazzling break from inside his own 22 to score the try of the game and then capitalised when Sharks’ defence became stretched out wide to grab the final try of the game.