Sale Sharks 20 Newport Dragons 28: Sale relying on others after Dragons defeat

Newport Gwent Dragons coach Shaun Connor praised his side's sprit after their impressive victory over Sale at Edgeley Park.

The build-up to the game had been tumultuous for the Dragons after head coach Paul Turner was suspended pending an internal disciplinary hearing.

But three quick tries at the start of the second period from wingers Adam Hughes (two) and Aled Brew, aided by 13 points from the boot of fly-half Matthew Jones, saw the Welsh side prevail and move to within touching distance of the semi-finals, ending any hopes of progression for Leeds Carnegie from Pool Two.

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Although Sale hit back with tries from Henry Thomas (two) and Aston Croall, it was not enough for them to overturn what was at one stage a 25-point deficit and Connor was delighted.

He said: "What impressed me was the heart out there. There was a 15-minute period at the end where we were just constantly defending.

"But the spirit and heart to stick at it even though we conceded late in phase play.

"We came here to do a job, we came here to play, we were focused on the game and the boys have delivered.

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"We talked at half-time about controlling phase play a little bit better. We gave the ball back to Sale a little bit too easily and against a side like Sale, they'll punish you."

Sale head coach Pete Anglesea was understandably frustrated by his side's defeat, a loss that dents their own semi-final chances.

Having gone into the game top of their group, this defeat leaves them needing other results to go their way if they are to progress.

"We didn't start very well in the second-half, whether there's a lack belief in there I don't know," he said.

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"I've told them to look at Marc Jones and how Marc Jones played. I thought he was absolutely 100 per cent committed, he obviously wanted to win."

The Sharks play Saracens next week and Anglesea still believes his side has a chance of progressing.

He added: "Maybe it's not dead and buried yet, maybe we can go to the last game and still have a chance of qualifying.

"I don't know what's going to happen, we will find out.

"If we do get an opportunity, we will be looking to give it our best shot."