Sharks concede the rugby equivalent of an own goal.. Burrell chips the ball down-field and provides the chase. Three Shark backs converge on the ball as it trickles into the twenty-two. But they take an age to decide who's ball it is and Burrell tackles Brady as he falls on the it. The turnover comes as Sharks scramble to defend, but Woods finds the hole and crashes over.

Another Saints penalty at the scrum gives them a line-out in a perfect position. But two phases after the line-out, Dowson fumbles an offload and Sale clear..

Excellent interplay between the Northampton backs and forwards. The Saints' pack has been working hard, running hard off the fringes of rucks and providing the back-line with go-forward ball.

Saints work their way back into the Sharks' half, following the restart. Then a Sale player fails to release in the tackle and gifts Myler with an opportunity to stretch it to six.

Saints break into the Sharks half and accumulate the phases. Then a well-executed back move nearly puts Amesbury in for a try, but he's bundled into touch by a well-organised defence. Play is brought back for an offside infringement. Simple position for Myler and he puts three points on the board.

Saints win a penalty at the first scrum of the day; the contrast in front-row experience obvious..

Superb start for the Sharks. 5 minutes of uninterrupted possession brings them to within inches of the Saints' try-line. Northampton, under pressure, concede a penalty for offside. Sharks boldly opt for the corner and set the maul. But the ball is fumbled and Saints win the scrum.

COYS

Perfect playing conditions today in the Franklins Gardens. Bright, sunny and cloudless.

Good evening and welcome to coverage of this Aviva Premiership clash between the Saints and Sharks.
Northampton Saints will be gunning for a bonus point win which would guarantee them an Aviva Premiership semi-final spot for the fourth year in a row. They have lost only one of their last six fixtures and are picking up pace at a critical point in the season. While Sale remain eleventh in the Aviva, they are unbeaten in their last three matches, and are looking to regather some pride after a dismal season. Kick-off on the way!