Danny Cipriani guides Sale Sharks to victory

Danny Cipriani starred as Sale Sharks ended a two-game winless run courtesy of a 23-6 victory over Gloucester Rugby at the AJ Bell Stadium this afternoon.

It was the visitors that got the first points on the board when James Hook, who had missed an earlier penalty, sent the ball between the posts in the 14th minute.

© Getty Images

However, the response from Sale was positive as Johnny Leota bundled his way over the line for the game's first try in the 21st minute, with Cipriani kicking the extras.

As the half drew to a close, Hook and Cipriani exchanged penalties, meaning that it was the home side that took a 10-6 lead into the break.

Cipriani added two more penalties shortly after the restart to put the Sharks in command, before he played a key role in the moment that put clear daylight between the teams.

It was his delayed pass that was weighted perfectly for Josh Beaumont, who went over for the second try. Once again, England international Cipriani fired over the extras.

The fly-half, who had made 17 successful tackles overall, was sent to the sin bin in the closing stages, but it did not hamper his side, who held out for the win.

The victory has seen Sale move above Wasps into sixth spot in the Aviva Premiership standings.