GLOUCESTER director of rugby David Humphreys praised his makeshift outfit as they secured their first Aviva Premiership triumph at Sale Sharks since 2001.

The Cherry and Whites have struggled with a number of injuries, particularly in the back line, but managed to overcome those issues and end the Manchester outfit's unbeaten home run.

Sale had not been defeated at the AJ Bell Stadium in the league this season until the West Country side edged to a 12-11 victory.

Humphreys said: "From a psychological point of view, to win at Sale is a huge step forward, especially when you consider we had three scrum-halves and four centres in the back line at the end.

"I don't think anybody can question the heart and character that's in this squad. There's huge fight, we have a competitive edge but what we lack in big games is a little bit of detail, a little bit of accuracy.

"That's the step forward we can make as a team. If we start moving up the league, those are the small things in games we've got to get right."

Humphreys also commended stand-in fly-half Greig Laidlaw who controlled the game and kicked four penalties in their win over Sale.

He added: "He hasn't played out-half for three years but you will struggle to see a better number 10 performance across the Premiership this weekend in terms of his control, composure, decision-making and defence. We had great shape and it just shows his quality as a rugby player."