Howard hoping to reap benefits

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Howard rang the changes at Edgeley Park but, with five games in the space of 23 days, he has no qualms about giving his lesser-known players a chance even against the Ospreys at Twickenham next Sunday.

He said: "I've got a selection headache and that's what we've always wanted from our squad. We've always said we wanted a strong squad and I'm looking to press the level so that the guys that go on the field raise the standard and do the squad justice."

He added: "A few guys certainly put their hands up against Sale and I have got a few selection headaches, which is a good thing."

Sale director of rugby Phillippe Saint-Andre acknowledges his Sharks side will be fighting for their lives when they face Bath at Edgeley Park next Friday.

Saint-Andre's men have not won in the league in seven league matches since beating Gloucester 20-19 at the start of January and having won the Guinness Premiership last season, their top-flight status is far from secure.

The Frenchman said: "We'll play for our lives next week against Bath. It's very tough. We haven't won since January and it's difficult. All the time the 50-50 things are going against us.

"We are low on confidence and we're making silly mistakes. Next Friday we're playing for the future of the club in this division."