Sale power game dominates

Last night saw Sale Sharks record a comprehensive victory over a Newcastle Red Bulls side who were overpowered by Sale. This isn't the first time Sale have done this to the opposition and definitely won't be the last!

Slow start costs Red Bulls

Sale raced into an early lead of 21-0 and there was no coming back for Red Bulls from this disastrous start. At times during the tries the defence quite simply wasn't good enough and when you have George Ford pulling the strings for the likes of Read, Roebuck and Carpenter it's going to cost you big time.

Sale power

Despite missing both Tom and Ben Curry, Sale's power game was unrivalled last night. The likes of Ben Bamber and Hyron Andrews were colossal for Sale last night. On his return from British Lions duty in the summer, Luke Cowan-Dickie was hungry to show Steve Borthwick what he was about. This was showed nothing more than when he scored his try, keeping on his feet from a tap penalty to power his way over.

Red Bull frustrations

There were chances for Red Bulls mainly around the lineout where poorly executed drills let them down. But there was very little opportunity for the backs to get the ball to try and run any moves.

Some light in defeat

I thought Elliott Obatoyinbo took his try very well, from a position that he probably shouldn't have been allowed to score from. I also thought there was a couple of strong carries from Amanaki Mafi, as they said in commentary it's a bit of disappointment he's not a little bit younger as he's the type of player you could build a team around.

The other positive was Cruz who came on at scrum half and I felt he added some tempo to the game. Given he only arrived on Monday and English isn't his first language it will've been a rollercoaster week for him but with him at nine things look promising for Red Bulls.

Defence

At times last night, similar to the Saracens game the kick chase and defence in general wasn't good enough. I'm guessing that Red Bull will be on the look out for a defence coach, it doesn't necessarily have to be a big name, look at the impact Byron McGuigan has had at Sale. But someone needs to come in as a fresh voice and get the team defending as a unit.

Disappointment but not a time to panic

Yes, last night's result was a disappointment and a final score of 57-5 certainly isn't what anyone wants to see. But now isn't a time for panic, I do want to see a reaction on Friday night when Northampton come to Kingston Park. The home games are games where you want to see Red Bulls challenging teams and start to build a fortress. You know Red Bull will have the music blasting, but it's up to the fans to back that up and make sure Northampton know they're in for a battle. The players then feed off that and it gives the team energy.

Derby disappointment

I alluded to it in my preview and the atmosphere at Sale last night reflected that it isn't a derby and it didn't feel like one from how the atmosphere came across. Maybe the scoreline reflected it, but this game just doesn't work as a derby! I feel for those in charge at Sale, as they have built a team that is competing at the top but at the moment the crowds aren't backing that up. It's definitely something they'd like to get to the bottom of.

Not a time to look back

I've seen the comments of they shouldn't have got rid of Steve Diamond amongst other things. Unfortunately, that's sport and the decision has been made. Most hardened rugby fans in the north east knew that Red Bull coming in wasn't going to be an overnight recipe for success. These things do take time and next season's recruitment will give an indication as to where this journey is going.

Do the players care? Absolutely!

I've also seen the comments of players being here on one year deals and not being bothered. There's absolutely no way that any one who goes on that pitch doesn't care and doesn't want to win. They're all in the shop window either for Red Bulls or for elsewhere and if they thought like that they wouldn't get picked. Yes, the senior players have to drive the standards and set expectations but players will follow that.

Fan engagement

I do think it would be good to hear from Jonny Petrie and when he starts Neil Mcilroy when he starts on the vision and what to expect. Neil doesn't start till 1st November so it might have to wait till after then but some form of event for season ticket holders or the supporters club to outline the vision would be welcome from many.

Northampton up next

As I've said, the home games present a new opportunity regardless of what has gone on the previous week. Red Bull will do their bit to ramp up the atmosphere but fans have to follow and the team will feed off it. You also have the new age of pantomime villain in Henry Pollock potentially coming to Kingston Park. Get down to Kingston Park and become part of the journey!