Sale revel in not being recognised - Sanderson

Sale Sharks boss Alex Sanderson guided his side to the Premiership play-offs courtesy of five successive wins at the end of the season

Sale Sharks boss Alex Sanderson says the fact they were not recognised in the Premiership's end-of-season awards has spurred on their play-off campaign.

There was no Sale representation in the Premiership team of the season despite their strong finish to the campaign to end 2023-24 in third position in the table.

Sanderson's side will take on second-placed Bath on Saturday in their semi-final, aiming to reach the Premiership final for the second season in a row.

"I went to the Premiership awards and I said to the lads I didn't have much to report. We didn't win a thing," Sanderson told BBC Radio Manchester.

"There was a massive uproar and cheer from the lads. I don't think it was a surprise. We were revelling in the fact that no-one really rates us."

Sale head into the play-offs as the form team, having put together five consecutive wins.

Fly-half George Ford's strong performances have been key to their revival from eighth place back in late March after a 42-24 defeat by semi-final opponents Bath, their fourth league loss on the bounce.

"He [Ford] has been brilliant for us," Sanderson said. "He shifted the attacking focus mentality of the international side. I believe he was a big influence for us in that.

"He still doesn't seem to be recognised for his efforts, not in-house but externally."

'Turn tides of popularity'

Sale finished their regular season with a 20-10 victory at Saracens, their first away win against the reigning champions since 2005.

They now enter the play-offs aiming to make up for last season's final loss to Sarries and Sanderson is unfazed by the perception his side have despite transforming them in the past two campaigns.

"I think we pick up our support, we're just not as fashionable as your Baths or your Sarries," he added.

"We're not as flashy as Quins or as bold as Bristol. But we're enjoying ourselves and putting a good product out there as well.

"We keep winning and we keep performing and we'll turn the tides of popularity, I'm sure."