'The Buck's Fizz will taste sweeter on Christmas morning' - Alex Sanderson reacts to Sale Sharks' big win over Saracens

Sale Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson said his “Buck's Fizz will taste sweeter on Christmas morning” after a momentous Gallagher Premiership win over Saracens on Friday night.

The Sharks edged the reigning champions 22-20 to lay down a big marker in the title race in a repeat of last season’s final, which they lost 35-25 at Twickenham.

Sale were on top for most of the game and Sanderson was pleased with the discipline of his side, who conceded nine penalties to Sarries’ 15, as well his players’ attitude.

“I’m just happy the lads made good on all the pressure we put on them tonight - that tells in the penalty count,” Sanderson told TNT Sports after the game.

“That, and it sets you up for a better Christmas, the Buck’s Fizz will taste that bit sweeter on Christmas Day morning.”

Sanderson was then pressed on what kind of pressure he applied on his squad ahead of the match at a sold-out AJ Bell Stadium.

“That’s there, the magnitude of the game. We just talked before about it being quite a special occasion,” he said.

“You don’t really get many of these kind of games in a lifetime, let alone in a rugby career.

“I asked them when they ran out to just turn around and look at how busy and packed it was. There was not an empty seat, not even standing room.

“Then to appreciate in that moment what they’re building. To revel in the responsibility, to make the choices and to go for them, not to hesitate. And they did.”

The result kept Sale top of the Premiership table overnight, ahead of second-placed Bath’s clash with Harlequins on Saturday, live on TNT Sports.

Coverage of Bath v Harlequins on TNT Sports starts at 15:00 on Saturday, December 23, with kick-off at 15:05.

For the latest information on which rugby matches are on TNT Sports, click here.

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