Sale boss Kingsley Jones has given a damning verdict on his side's 36-19 demolition by Cardiff in their Heineken Cup clash on Saturday.
Huge improvement needed says Sale boss
Sale boss Kingsley Jones has given a damning verdict on his side's 36-19 demolition by Cardiff Blues in their Heineken Cup clash on Saturday.
Instead of setting up a thrilling winner-takes-all showdown with Toulouse in Stockport next week, the defeat leaves Sale's quarter-final hopes hanging by a thread.
A bonus-point victory over an already-eliminated Harlequins at the Stade Ernest Wallon on Sunday will see the French giants win the group and secure a last-eight spot in the competition.
In contrast Sale's only realistic hope of progressing now lies with the unlikely prospect of securing one of two best runners-up berths.
The Sharks were comprehensively outplayed by a Cardiff side that dominated up front and Jones said a 'huge improvement' was needed if they were to stand any chance in next week's clash.
"I think any team in the Heineken Cup would have beaten us today with that performance," he said.
Discipline
"It was a five out of 10 display. Our basics were poor - our kicking and passing wasn't good enough, and our discipline let us down.
"There were not too many positives, and we will need a huge improvement to challenge Toulouse next week. I think it is unlikely that two teams will go through out of our group.
"We could, and should have done a lot better, but we will take the defeat as a group - players and coaches.
"I have been honest in the changing room. The players know when they perform and when they don't, and it is the same for the coaches - we all share responsibility."
Both Sale and Cardiff are now hoping that Quins can rip up the form book and defeat Toulouse tomorrow.
"I don't think it is a foregone conclusion down there in Toulouse tomorrow, Jones added. "Harlequins have got a strong team.
Pressure
"I think Toulouse are one of the best sides in the world, but it depends how they turn up."
Blues head coach David Young praised his men and said that they too would be urging Quins on to victory.
"We will all have our Harlequins scarves out tomorrow," he said. "We had to win today and we also need to get a result against Quins in London next week.
"If it is not good enough to get through, I shall not be beating the players up about it.
"I thought our forwards led the way today. Our driving line-out caused them problems, as did our scrum.
"The group is very much in Toulouse's hands, but if Quins do hit the ground running, they are a difficult team to beat - the pressure will be on Toulouse."
