Bryn Evans and Sale Sharks claimed a second win in as many weeks over Wasps to ensure the visitors travelled home from the AJ Bell empty handed; this time imposing a 28-18 win to mount their way to fourth in the table, three points off the summit.
In a week following “bonfire night”, there were still fireworks in the Salford sky and on the pitch on Friday night; with tries, a red card and a rendition of “Sweet Caroline” to send the Sharks faithful home with smiles across their faces.
After the game we spoke with Bryn Evans, who labelled victory as one that was nothing more than a must win game.
“It was an important win tonight, one of those we knew we needed to get at home.”
“We were disappointed that we lost our first game of the season at home to Gloucester right at the end so tonight was about making sure we got back on track and we did that.”
“We made a lot of breaks in the first half but weren’t converting any which is a frustrating thing.” He added, “We got together at the break and said we had to stick to the process and keep playing our own game. It worked.”
Evans topped the charts for the most lineout steals of any Sharks player last season, finishing fourth in the overall league standings (7).
The 6ft4, New Zealander already leads the way for the most lineouts won for Sharks (16) and praised his fellow forwards for their set piece work on the night, which he deemed an improvement in comparison to previous weeks.
“We know we have been a bit up and down with our lineouts this season. We went back the drawing board this week, were told to back ourselves as we have the players that are capable of beating anyone for ball. Tonight we improved and are pleased with how we functioned.”
“Games in the Prem are tight so the most important thing is building a lead. It’s just about playing the situation that is in front of you and when the opportunities are there and with the kickers we have its important we take them.”
Since moving to the AJ Bell stadium, Sharks have inflicted defeat upon their counterpart’s in six of the last seven meetings.
The former All Blacks international again reiterated the crucial nature of Friday’s win and banged the drum in a battle cry of making the AJ Bell a place teams only come for defeat.
“The most important thing is that we were able to get the win tonight and because we achieved this we are happy but it’s important we keep building in what is a tough competition.”
“We need to make the AJ Bell Stadium a fortress.”
Sale turn their attention to next week as they make their return to the highest level of European rugby with a trip to Scotland to take on Glasgow Warriors.
“We are excited. A lot of these guys come to the club because they want to be a part of top flight European rugby.”
“We are excited and confident from the result tonight knowing we can take it into the first European game next week.”
The highs of the night were slightly dampened after Josh Beaumont was stretchered off with what looked a serious knee injury. Evans concluded the post-match interview with words of support for his second row partner, sending his best wishes to Josh.
“The boys are wishing him the best of luck. He was playing great tonight and it’s an unfortunate thing to happen in what was a tough game. Hopefully everything is ok and we wish Josh all the best in his recovery.”
Bryn Evans is sponsored by Zen Office.
