Sale Sharks beat Biarrtiz Olympique in Challenge Cup opener

Sale Sharks have beaten Biarritz Olympique 33-10 in their opening Challenge Cup game.

After exchanging early penalties, the hosts powered ahead thanks to the boot of Joe Ford.

A drop-goal followed by two penalties and penalty try put Sale firmly in command at half time.

They added to their lead immediately after the break, again through Ford, before finally scoring a try thanks to a run from Andrei Ostrikov.

Eugene van Staden replied with a try for the visitors shortly after but another penalty try, this time from substitute Danny Cipriani, made the final few minutes comfortable for Sale.