Sale (9) 9 Pens: Courrent 3 Saracens (7) 15 Tries: Johnston, Jackson Cons: Jackson Pens: Jackson

The visitors took the lead through Ben Johnston's try, converted by Glen Jackson, before three Valentin Courrent penalties gave Sale a 9-7 advantage.

Jackson's try 10 minutes after the re-start put Sarries back in front.

And he added a penalty nine minutes later as Saracens ended the 14-match unbeaten home record of Sale, who were missing their international contingent.

Saracens were playing their first game since recruiting former Australia coach Eddie Jones in a consultancy capacity for three months and promptly won their first match in nine attempts.

The Sharks, who failed to score in the second half, have now lost their last two league games but they still lead the Premiership thanks to Wasps' defeat at Worcester.

Saracens went in front in the 16th minute when Johnston ran on to a delayed pass before ripping through some poor tackling on the left wing and diving over in the corner, with Jackson converting.

Sale had to rely on the boot of French fly-half Courrent for their points and he slotted three penalties in the 10 minutes before half-time to edge the hosts into the lead.

Prop Ben Coutts almost barged over from close range for Sale at the start of the second half.

But it was Saracens who scored next as a series of pummelling charges among the forwards created space and Kyran Bracken fed Jackson to score from close range in the right corner.

Jackson extended his side's lead with a penalty in the 58th minute and the subdued Sharks were unable to break down the visitors' stubborn defence for the rest of the match.