You are in > manchester.com  > News > Sale cruise past Brive into Challenge Cup semi-final

Rugby Union

Sale cruise past Brive into Challenge Cup semi-final

04/04/2008

Sale Sharks have beaten Brive comfortably to qualify for the semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup at Edgeley Park.

The English side won 49-24 over their French opponents but largely had New Zealander Luke McAllister to thank after the fly-half dominated the match.

Standing-in for Charlie Hodgson the former All Black created plenty of chances for his back line to breach the brittle Brive defence.

Sale were quickly ahead thanks to a McAllister penalty. The Visitors continued to commit fouls which allowed the Sharks plenty of ball inside Brive territory.

The took advantage of that when Sebastien Chabal touchdown and the score was soon 18-0 when McAllister sent a perfect chip into the corner for Lee Thomas to collect and score.

Brive began to get back into the match before the break and scored two tries thanks to Farid Sid and Vickus Liebenberg to give themselves hope.

However, Sale began the second half in much the same way as they had the first, Dominating with their forward players in the loose, and were soon able to stretch their lead again.

Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe scored a brace of tries to give the home side some breathing room.

There was a glimmer of a comeback from Brive when Jean-Phillipe Bonrepaux scored from close-range but a Will Cliff try and a penalty try put the game beyond doubt with ten minutes remaining.

Liebenberg snatched a late consolation try for Brive but Sale were already celebrating their place in the semi-finals.