Dazzling Cueto lifts Sharks

The 28-year-old, who started the World Cup as first-choice No15 in the national team but subsequently reverted to the wing, faces an uphill battle to start the RBS Six Nations opener against Wales next Saturday.

But he made a strong case for selection in the 53rd minute of this disjointed contest.

With the home side only four points ahead, David Strettle kicked out of defence and Cueto claimed the ball outside his 22.

In a flash, he stormed through the crowded midfield towards the visitors' 22 and released Rory Lamont, who put Oriol Ripol in at the left corner.

Philippe Saint-Andre, Sale's director of rugby, said: 'It was a good counter-attack from Cueto.'

The Frenchman insisted he had not been asked by England to pick Cueto at full back but added: 'He has been training at full back and on the wing with England and we need to give him the opportunity in both positions.'

England coach Brian Ashton will have been encouraged by the performance of Quins wing Strettle.

He was busy and energetic and full of menace with ball in hand. But Sale's Richard Wigglesworth enjoyed a less fruitful audition for the scrum half berth, repeatedly fumbling the ball as over-eagerness got the better of him.

In the opening exchanges, Quins were a shambles. With their pack in reverse gear, it was no surprise that Sale went ahead courtesy of a forwards' try.

From an attacking lineout, they drove to within a yard of the line and Chris Jones darted over. Charlie Hodgson converted. However, Saint-Andre's side inexplicably lost their way.

Quins began to establish some momentum and two Adrian Jarvis penalties reduced the gap to a point at half-time.

Whatever Saint-Andre said during the break, it worked. After one dazzling Sale attack ended with Lee Thomas knocking on over the line, Luke McAlister kicked a penalty and then came Cueto's masterpiece.

But a try from Tani Fuga ensured Quins claimed a bonus point, despite another successful kick from Hodgson at the death.

Dean Richards, the visitors' director of rugby, claimed his sidelined No8 Nick Easter had a good chance of recovering from a knee injury in time to play for England next weekend.

'I would say it's 60-40 in favour of him playing,' he said. 'In fact, make that 80-20.'