Saracens begin defence with big win against Sale Sharks

Reigning Premiership champions Saracens have earned a 41-3 win against Sale Sharks in their opening game of the Aviva Premiership Rugby season.

Saracens took an early lead as Michael Rhodes ended a strong drive with a try, and Charlie Hodgson added three points from a penalty to put the hosts 10-0 up.

Danny Cipriani pulled three points back with a penalty after missing his first, but Hodgson restored the hosts' 10-point lead with another kick through the uprights.

Tim Streather then put the champions further ahead, with the centre bashing his way through the Sale resistance to score a try.

Just before the half, Mike Ellery was set free by a Hodgson pass to give Saracens a commanding 27-3 lead at the break.

Ellery doubled his tally in the second half, earning his side the bonus point as Hodgson continued his flawless kicking.

Will Fraser went over towards the end to compound Sale's misery, who had a try disallowed by TMO in the final seconds.