There were familiar faces for both camps, with former Saracens rugby director Steve Diamond now Sale's executive director of sport and Saracens fly-half Charlie Hodgson facing his old side for the first time since leaving them after 10 years in the summer.

BBC: Saracens 23-10 Sale Sharks

Meanwhile, Sharks fly-half Herkie Kruger is facing a two-year ban after testing positive for the anabolic steroid nandrolone.

BBC: Andrew Mehrtens looks to pass for Canterbury