Committed Sale bounce back to beat Saracens despite Vermeulen red card

Sale Sharks secured a 21-17 victory over Saracens at StoneX Stadium despite playing part of the first quarter with 13 men. Nathan Jibulu, Tom O’Flaherty, and Ben Bamber scored tries for Sale, who bounced back effectively from an opening-weekend defeat. Jacques Vermeulen received a 20-minute red card for a high tackle on Tomos Williams, but the visitors held firm with an inspired defensive performance.

Saracens struggled for consistent momentum throughout the contest, receiving tries from Eroni Mawi, Sione Va’enuku, and Charlie Bracken. Injury concerns compounded the hosts' disappointment as Theo Dan and Elliot Daly both left the field prematurely in the second half, leaving head coach Joe Shaw's side unable to overturn Sale's resilient lead.