Jones focused on play-offs

The Sharks, who registered a first-half penalty try, dominated after the break with three touchdowns from Sebastien Chabal and replacements Rudi Keil and Richard Wigglesworth.

Jones said: "If we win again next week (against Northampton), and results go our way, we could even finish third. Gloucester and London Irish have a tough week ahead, so as long as it's mathematically possible we will keep fighting."

He added: "We've put ourselves in a great position but the job is only half done and we cannot afford to be complacent."

Sale lost out on a play-off spot last season on the final day when London Irish won at Edgeley Park to bundle the Stockport-based club out of the top four.

Jones added: "There was complacency last year against London Irish but that's not going to happen this time. Now other teams are looking over their shoulders and not us."

Sale, for whom Charlie Hodgson landed four conversions, saw wing Oriol Ripol sinbinned for persistent infringement in the first half and Harlequins prop Mike Ross was also shown a yellow card for a similar offence.

Jones added: "I think (referee) Wayne Brown gets it right a lot but I was surprised to see so many penalties given."

Sale dominated after the restart and Jones added: "I thought the way we stuck in there to the end was a real positive.

"We lost our shape a bit in the first half but I was really pleased with the second half and the confidence we showed. We defended well, stuck in there and to get the try at the end was really pleasing."