Sharks dismiss lowly Worcester

The New Zealand centre never looked back after helping to create Sharks' opening try for Scotland international Rory Lamont inside three minutes.

And that score was the cue for Sale to dominate, claiming a comfortable bonus point triumph that saw them jump two places into fifth.

They even subdued a brief second-half Worcester revival, threatened by skipper Pat Sanderson's try double after Sale had two players sin-binned in two minutes.

England prop Andrew Sheridan departed for late-tackling Warriors wing Thinus Delport, then referee Tony Spreadbury yellow-carded Sharks hooker Sebastien Bruno and Worcester flanker Tom Wood following a brawl.

Sale though, had too much in the tank, prevailing through tries by Lamont, his fellow wing Mark Cueto, full-back Ben Foden and lock Dean Schofield, while McAlister booted three penalties and Charlie Hodgson slotted one penalty and a conversion.

McAlister, who has agreed a substantial six-figure deal with Sharks, will shortly be joined in the Premiership by World Cup colleagues Aaron Mauger (Leicester), Carl Hayman (Newcastle) and Chris Jack (Saracens).

But that illustrious trio will do well to match McAlister's impact on debut as he settled seamlessly into English domestic duties.