GLOUCESTER director of rugby David Humphreys was left to lament a display lacking energy and enthusiasm after his side were beaten 23-6 at Sale Sharks on Sunday, writes Alex Fulford.

The Cherry & Whites managed just a pair of James Hook penalties as Johnny Leota and Josh Beaumont each crossed over for the hosts at the AJ Bell Stadium.

The visitors had entered the two-week break from Aviva Premiership action off the back of a thrilling 33-33 draw with Northampton Saints, when they came within minutes of upsetting the runaway league leaders.

However, this display was a far cry from that one and Humphreys conceded Sale had made life very difficult in tricky conditions.

“It's a very disappointing result,” he said. “We came into the game on the back of good preparation and a good performance against the Saints, but we didn't produce what we've done week in, week out this season.

“We just didn't bring enough energy and we didn't have the enthusiasm that we have shown in attack and defence.

“We are disappointed with that more than anything else, because we came here talking about a performance.

“Credit to Sale, this is a very tough place to come and play, and they showed us how to win games like that.”

England fly half Danny Cipriani also contributed 13 points for Sale in another virtuoso display as Gloucester couldn’t muster a single second-half point.

Defeat leaves the Cherry & Whites nine points off the top half with just four league games to go – with Sale now eight points better off in seventh.

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