Tom Roebuck reminds England with hat-trick as Sale thrash Exeter Chiefs

Tom Roebuck (centre) cemented his England credentials with a hat-trick against Exeter. Photo: Getty Images/David Rogers Sale Sharks 41 Exeter Chiefs 5

Tom Roebuck didn't win his first England cap despite being included in Steve Borthwick's recent Six Nations squad, but judging It looks like it's only a matter of time before the honor is awarded.

The 23-year-old Sale striker showed off his goal-scoring skills with the first Premier League hat-trick of his career, giving him an impressive tally of 21 tries in 52 games of the tournament.

His three goals against Exeter were not only a stark reminder of his ability, but also helped Alex Sanderson's side to a potentially priceless win that revived their play-off hopes.

Last season's beaten Premier League finalists have not won since that dismal run before Christmas. of six losses in a row, which also resulted in them being kicked out of Europe.

But it was an outstanding performance, filled with energy, skill and collective desire, suggesting that it would be foolish to discount Sale's chances of returning to Twickenham now.

After Roebuck opened the scoring, the midfielder scrummagers Gus Warr and hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie also touched down to make it 22-0 at the break.

Turning them inside out 😵‍💫

Quality Gus Warr's finish allowed @SaleSharksRugby to extend their lead just before the break 💪#GallagherPrem #SALvEXE pic.twitter.com/9u1wDeWxlg

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 31, 2024

The bonus point came just after the break when Roebuck scored his second try, and after Raffie Quirke added a fifth home try, the winger struck again to complete his treble, having missed an earlier chance.

Roebuck struck again to complete his treble, having missed an earlier chance.

Roebuck , a product of Sale's academy, enjoyed his time in the England team despite not playing with Immanuel Fahey-Waboso, who scored Exeter's only try there, selected ahead of him.

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But sometimes in life you get what you deserve and Roebuck's time will surely come if he continues to put in performances like this.

He said of the Red Rose experience: «I would say it made the player got better». a mile because you're obviously working with the best players and the best coaches in the country.

“I guess I was a little disappointed that I didn't get to play a single game, but that's out of my control.

“I need to play my best and wait for the opportunity to come.”

Roebuck will be well rewarded for his three clinical achievements, as director of rugby Sanderson explained: “I have an agreement with Tom that if he scores a hat-trick, I will owe him a new pair of Nike Air Max.”

“England have been very clear about the areas in which Tom needs to improve.”

“ But he was inspired and motivated to come back and make those improvements.

“They worked on his speed and finishing ability. We saw this today. He's showing more sides to his game.»

Sale, who beat Premier League finalists last season, haven't won since beating Saracens at home on December 22 but this performance can was to be enjoyed in the windy conditions.

They were leading when deft work from Manu Tuilagi, the outstanding Ben Curry and George Ford close to the line saw Roebuck run through a gap inside the left channel.

🦈 @SaleSharks Rugby scores first!

Tom Roebuck makes a great try to get them on the board.#GallagherPrem #SALvEXE pic.twitter.com/KBiCxcsGf2

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 31, 2024

Sale's willingness to throw the ball wide was pleasing to the eye and after Cowan-Dickie went off they scored a third try on the stroke of half-time when prop Bevan Rodd found Warr with a fine pass inside and the scrum-half ran away.

Just after the break, Roebuck made his second, pouncing on Warr's tricky chip and racing into the right corner to try and claim the bonus point.

Beauty from Tom Roebuck on day two 😍 #GallagherPrem #SALvEXE pic.twitter.com/lYDDjMfmfE

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 31, 2024

Exeter finally responded in the 49th minute when Fahey-Waboso took possession and burst relentlessly through the Sale defense in the right corner.

Powerful completion from Immanuel Fahey-Waboso 😤

@ExeterChiefs on the board. Will they be able to return? #GallagherPrem #SALvEXE pic.twitter.com/CiBdiq1hZI

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 31, 2024

But Sale had the upper hand and soon scored again when Quirke charged in from close range shortly after replacing Warr.

In the 57th minute, Roebuck should have had a hat-trick when he struck the ball forward but failed to ground the ball.

Two minutes later his hat-trick was sealed when another superb move went wide to the left. channel, where Roebuck again arrived on command to take a walk.

That's three for Tom Roebuck 😮‍💨#GallagherPrem #SALvEXE pic.twitter.com/tkUUlSL5Db

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 31, 2024

Exeter now have to prepare for a monumental Champions Cup last-16 showdown with Bath on Saturday and Rob Baxter said: “Sometimes you just have to take your covers and move on .

“Today will not cause us any harm as long as we learn from it.”