Sale Sharks left shell-shocked after record Toulouse thrashing

Sale Sharks suffered a record defeat as six-time winners Toulouse avoided a shock Champions Cup exit by scoring 11 tries en route to a crushing 77-7 victory.

Sharks’ 70-point hammering in the Pool One fixture at Stade Toulousain easily surpassed the club’s previous biggest loss – a 58-8 reverse at the hands of Wasps in 2000.

Alex Sanderson’s side, who had already qualified for the knockout stages but have now dropped out of a home last-16 spot, would have eliminated the Top 14 leaders with victory.

Kalvin Gourgues added Toulouse’s bonus-point try in the closing stages of the first half after Emmanuel Meafou, Julien Marchand and Antoine Dupont all crossed.

Sale’s Tom Curtis converted his own consolation score early in the second period before tries from Dimitri Delibes, Matthis Lebel, Thomas Ramos and Paul Graou stretched the hosts’ advantage.

After France star Dupont crossed for his second try of the game, Joshua Brennan and Lebel completed the scoring, with Ramos landing all 11 conversions.