Discount 31-22 Leicester: Sharks keep play-off hopes alive and set up tense final day against Saracens with bonus point win

• Sale almost certainly played their last game at home, but could make the play-offs
• Manu Tuilagi and Sam James said an emotional farewell to His faithful
• Alex Sanderson has announced he is staying on for another three years after a brave victory

There was a jubilant invasion at the end, followed by loud celebrations as Alex Sanderson announced to the crowd that he had signed a deal to stay in charge at Sale for the next three years.

The popular director of rugby is a self-proclaimed “proud Northerner” and whether or not his Sharks make the Premiership play-offs, the club’s hierarchy believe they have the right man to lead them to success sooner or later.

This bonus-point win over a limited but tenacious Leicester side means the hosts face champions Saracens in their final regular season game in north London next Saturday with a chance of finishing in the top four.

Sale moved up to third in the table – temporarily – as a fitting reward for outplaying the Tigers more convincingly than the final score suggested.

Manu Tuilagi produced a raucous display in his final home performance before a summer move to Bayonne in France and received a standing ovation when he came off late in the second half. Later, he patiently posed for endless pictures with adoring fans who chanted his name.

However, the star of this show was another back who is leaving at the end of the season – local boy Sam James.

On this occasion, the 29-year-old operated as a defender and was as classy as ever; commanding in the air, shrewd with distribution and accurate with left-footed kicks under pressure. He even lived up to his script by touching down in the first half after a raid by Sale down the left flank.

James is a natural, instinctive and creative player who was unlucky to miss out on Test caps for England after playing in a non-capped match against the Barbarians and going on tour to Argentina.

He’s been a sales stalwart for more than a decade, having been a club boy before that. He is a versatile, homegrown asset who will be so hard to replace.

James’ opposite number in this game was Freddie Steward, who is determined to regain the England place he lost in the recent Six Nations. There were flashes of his authority under the high ball and his threat as a counter-attacking runner, but his problem was that he had to function as part of a dysfunctional Leicester attack.

The Tigers have had a disappointing season and here is further evidence of their continued struggle for fluency and cohesion.

At times, Dan McKellar’s side lacked any real clarity in possession. There were so many spills and moments of hesitation.

That they managed to score three tries in defeat was a tribute to their sheer bloody refusal to go quietly, but they are far from title contenders. The table doesn’t lie. I’m number eight for a reason.

Selling was much more dangerous. Tuilagi and James were not the only notable figures. Tommy Taylor scored a try on his 150th appearance for the Sharks and was influential in all areas.

It was good news for club and country as Ben Curry once again excelled at open flanker, as did Red Rose prop Bevan Rodd, who produced a glorious offload in the build-up to James’ try.

The first try at home was scored by Gus Warr and the one that won the bonus point early in the second half was completed by Tom O’Flaherty after James launched a beautifully weighted kick through the 22 to set it up.

It was nervy in the closing stages as Leicester stayed in touch, but there was never any real doubt that Sale would prevail. They go to Saracens believing they can upset the champions to make the play-offs. It promises to be a fascinating contest on a tense final day.