Hodgson loss hurt - Sale coach

Sale coach Jim Mallinder admitted the loss of fly-half Charlie Hodgson with a recurrence of his knee injury proved crucial in his side’s 23-16 home Heineken Cup defeat by Leinster.

Hodgson, who missed the World Cup after being plagued by knee problems for most of 2003, struggled after picking up a knock early in the game and bravely battled on until the 35th minute when he was replaced by Braam van Straaten.