SHARKS completed their preseason on a high - and Philippe Saint-Andre went one-up in terms of sibling rivalry - as they defeated Lyon 39-14 at Edgeley Park.

The visitors, coached by the Sale chief’s brother Raphael, proved to be stubborn opposition but were blown away by the hosts’ classy backs, Mathew Tait scoring twice from full back.

It was encouraging result, especially after Leeds’ late fightback had made Sharks’ previous friendly less than comfortable, and provides a far more positive outlook ahead of a tough Premiership opening day trip to Newcastle.

That said, for much of the first half, Sale couldn’t keep hold of the ball.

A succession of handling errors allowed the visitors to edge into a 9-6 lead, Jeandre Fourie kicking three penalties to Charlie Hodgson’s two.

But, just before the half-hour mark, Sale took the lead and never looked back.

A neat move involving Mark Cueto, Richard Wigglesworth and Dean Schofield allowed Tait to cross for the game’s first try, Hodgson converting.

Quick thinking from Luke McAlister created the hosts’ second try just six minutes later, the Kiwi catching Lyon cold with a quick-tap and sending in David Doherty.

Suddenly, at 18-9, Sharks were in command.

That didn’t change after the break and despite the best efforts of the Lyon pack, they pulled further away.

Spoiling tactics in front of their own line by the visitors’ eight forced the referee to award Sale a penalty try, Hodgson adding the extras.

Minutes later, Juan Fernandez Lobbe marked his first game as Sale captain by slicing through the Lyon defence to score, another conversion from Hodgson making it 32-9.

The visitors managed a consolation try, Sydney Galopin touching down, but Tait put an exclamation point on the victory, scoring after a superb run that took him past a string of opponents.