Rory Lamont made a dream debut for Sale on Friday night as they edged past form side Saracens to claim a thrilling 34-30 victory at Edgeley Park.
The 25-year-old wing joined the Sharks from Glasgow during the close season and was one of Scotland’s best players in the World Cup in France.
He scored one of Sale’s four tries against Sarries to draw rich praise from director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre.
"That was Lamont’s first game and he showed that he is a special talent," said the Frenchman.
"He was third choice last year for Scotland but he will become an even better player here at Sale.
"It’s very pleasing that we won and there’s a lot of young players who are improving all the time."
Lamont’s try was followed by further scores from Lee Thomas and Ben Foden to cap an exhilarating fightback after Saracens led 17-13 at the break.
Sale’s three second-half tries added to Richard Wigglesworth’s first-half touchdown to earn a bonus point but doughty Saracens were in contention until the final whistle.
Sarries arrived in Stockport having made their best start start to a Premiership campaign since 1998.
They knew that a bonus-point win would lift them above Gloucester and to the top of the table.
But Sale had their own agenda and an outstanding second-half performance preserved their proud record of having not lost at home since April.
Lamont did as much as anyone to ensure Sale collected maximum points.
He helped to craft Wigglesworth’s opener and crossed the line himself before tries from Foden and Thomas sealed victory.
Saracens deserve credit for the part they played in a compelling tussle which could have gone either way.
The visitors claimed three tries from Fiji flanker Sakiusa Matadigo, influential fly-half Glen Jackson and prop Kevin Yates.
Kiwi Jackson was particularly impressive, landing three conversions, two penalties and a drop-goal in addition to his try.
But director of rugby Alan Gaffney was ultimately left disappointed with his men for the defensive lapses which allowed Sale to plunder four tries, and a lack of guile in the closing stages.
Gaffney said: "We had two decent opportunities at the end but we didn’t take them.
"They took their opportunities very well but to concede four tries isn’t particularly good, and we are not happy with that at all because they were mainly from our own mistakes."
