Cipriani saves the day for Sale

Danny Cipriani was Sale’s hero as the Premiership strugglers overturned a 15-point deficit to gain a dramatic, morale-boosting 34-33 triumph over Cardiff on their return to the Heineken Cup.

The Sharks were trailing 27-12 when Cipriani, making his way back from injury and illness, was introduced from the bench after 49 minutes and he scored one try and created another as Bryan Redpath’s men went on to snatch a breathless Pool 6 victory.

Sale gained a 27-26 win over the Blues in their last Heineken Cup campaign at Edgeley Park three years ago and Redpath will be hoping yesterday’s repeat victory — their first at the new Salford City Stadium — will kick-start their season after opening with six straight defeats.