IT WAS a case of experience prevailing over youth at the AJ Bell Stadium as Sale Sharks’ tried and trusted swept aside Worcester Warriors’ unproven prospects, with a 21-3 win.
While director of rugby Dean Ryan handed academy ace Josh Watkins his first team debut, Sale selected veteran wing Mark Cueto as the 19-year-old’s opposite number – and it told.
Tries from 76-cap Wales international Dwayne Peel, experienced lock Jonathan Mills and former Warriors favourite Sam Tuitupou helped Sharks comfortably see off Worcester as they tightened their grip on top spot in Pool One.
It may have also been another defeat to add to Warriors’ sorry season, but for Watkins the clash was one to remember.
“I’m a local lad so to make my debut for Warriors meant everything to me,” he said. “I had a lot of nerves as there were a lot of established players out there so it was always going to be a big game for me and I took it like it was a final.
“Mark Cueto is someone I’ve watched growing up and he was a tough guy to come up against for the first time. But I’m pleased with how I did.”
Watkins was not the only rising star out to impress as Ryan also picked talented duo Ben Howard and Max Stelling for what was merely a dead rubber clash for Worcester, who sat bottom of the group.
But after a bright start from the visitors, the Sharks soon stamped their authority on the game.
Danny Cipriani made amends for his earlier miss to open the scoring from the tee before a try quickly followed on the 11th minute mark.
Cueto demonstrated the ability which has seen him play more than 50 times for England as the 34-year-old slipped past a number of tackles to send his side on the attack.
James Gaskell then edged Sale closer to the line before Peel picked up the ball from back of a ruck and eased over.
Warriors were struggling to gain any sort of foothold as the Salford outfit dominated territory in the early stages and extended their lead to 11-0 when Cipriani landed a penalty.
As the half wore on, though, Worcester began to secure more of the ball, while Paul Warwick cut back the deficit with a penalty.
But the travelling supporters watched on in frustration as their side failed to find a way through Sale’s defence, with Cueto doing his best to keep Watkins quiet.
The task then became even greater shortly after the interval as the Sharks added a second try when Mills crashed over in the corner.
Warrior continued to kick for touch rather go for goal as they searched for their opening try.
But some superb defence from the hosts kept their opponents at bay. Worcester then suffered a double blow on the hour mark as Tuitupou went over before Warwick was forced to leave the field on a stretcher after sustaining a neck injury.
When play finally resumed Warriors enjoyed the lion’s share of possession as Tuitupou saw yellow, but they still could not add to their tally as Sale saw out time.