Sharks sunk by Tagicakibau

Tagicakibau (R): Decisive score

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Sailosi Tagicakibau's sixth try of the season proved the difference as London Irish moved to the top of the Guinness Premiership with a 11-8 victory at Sale.

The Samoan flier struck in typically predatory fashion in the 37th minute, touching down in the left corner after a brilliant break from former Sharks centre Elvis Seveali'i.

However, the victory was marred by what appeared to be a serious leg injury to Irish wing Adam Thompstone early in the second half, and he was taken off on a stretcher in agony.

Tagicakibau's try three minutes before half-time powered Toby Booth's men into a 11-5 lead and the visitors clung on in the second period to snatch the points.

Sale battled gamely and briefly led when Welsh prop Eifion Roberts touched down in the 30th minute.

A penalty from Sale's stand-in fly-half Nick Macleod cut the gap to three points shortly after the restart, but Irish held out with relative comfort for their fourth win in five games.

Endeavour

The Exiles started the brighter, although full-back Peter Hewat was off cue with early drop-goal and penalty attempts.

The London Irish full-back found his range in the 23rd minute with the first penalty of the night, yet Sale, now without a win since their opening-day victory against Leicester, fashioned an immediate response.

Samoan centre Andy Tuilagi set off on a delightful jinking run which took him from inside his own half and past a clutch of Irish defenders.

His progress was eventually halted, but on the half-hour mark Sale's dominance was rewarded when Roberts crashed over the whitewash to the delight of the home fans.

Macleod, handed a rare start at No 10 in the absence of the injured Charlie Hodgson and Lee Thomas, failed to convert the try and the pendulum quickly swung back in Irish's favour.

In the 37th minute, a brilliant run down the left channel by Seveali'i cut through the home side's defence and the supporting Tagicakibau finished off expertly in the corner.

The only blemish was the conversion that followed, Hewat's attempt rebounding off a post before he added a penalty from distance shortly before half-time.

And despite plenty of endeavour in the second period, Sale only had Macleod's 46th minute penalty to show for their efforts.