'Fingers crossed' - Sale issue update on England flanker Tom Curry

Tom Curry faces a race against time to be fit for England’s Six Nations opener against Scotland after suffering a hamstring strain in Sale’s Gallagher Premiership victory over Harlequins.

Curry left the field in the 16th minute after his right leg was hurt during a tackle by prop Wilco Louw and is now a doubt for the Scots’ visit to Twickenham on February 4.

“Even if a hamstring injury is the lowest grade, they’re generally two to three weeks,” Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson said.

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“I’ve just spoken to Tom and said get your head on for the Six Nations but don’t stop being a leader for us over the next two or three weeks.

“He’ll get a scan. He’s walking around and it’s stiffened up now. It’s not one of those where he limped off the field so fingers crossed he will be available against Scotland.”

Sale tightened their grip on second place in the Premiership with a 24-16 bonus-point victory in driving rain and their lead over Sale, who occupy third, now stands at 12 points.

“It was pretty solid. I was really happy with the ambition we showed throughout the game and that meant we came away with a bonus point. In terms of outcomes that’s exactly what you want,” Sanderson said.

“There were still a couple of missed opportunities out there but we’ll take the four tries and five points.

“The lads said how much they were enjoying it in the dark and the depths of a really, really wet and muddy day in winter. To come through it and to love it is testament to the fact we’re in a good place.

“You build belief and we’re in the best place to take on Toulouse next weekend. We feel good, we’re really tight and we’re playing some good rugby.”

Harlequins face two rounds of European action before losing attack coach Nick Evans to England following the Kiwi’s appointment to Steve Borthwick’s staff for the duration of the Six Nations.

Evans will return to Twickenham Stoop during England’s break weeks and Quins boss Tabai Matson conceded the appointment could be made permanent.

“There’s always that possibility. But in my mind, he will help us finish the rest of the season very strongly,” Matson said.

“We’re really excited for Nick. When our attack is going well, he is clearly the mastermind behind it. And you always love it when people get promoted to higher honours.

“It’s a short-term gig and during the Six Nations fallow weeks he will spend a little bit of time here, keeping an eye on us. We won’t use him too much because he’s been given a really important job to do with England.”

Matson eased concerns over Quins fly-half Tommy Allan, who left the field on a stretcher after receiving lengthy treatment following a collision with Manu Tuilagi.

“Tommy looks pretty good, it was precautionary,” Matson said.