Talei, Aisea Havili, Ben Gotting, Craig Everett and Uche Oduoza all crossed the whitewash as Warriors - watched from the stands by National Academy Coach Alex Sanderson - ran in five tries. Fly half Joe Carlisle also kicked nine points as Worcester launched their bid for A league glory in some style.

“We won the clash in the first 20 minutes with our attitude towards the game,” said Academy Assistant Manager Gary Meechan.

“Netani Talei was exceptional in giving us go forward ball, carrying and presenting very well. Graham Kitchener performed well and Tom Wood again led the team from the front with not only his inspirational words before the game by the way he played.

“Joe Carlisle orchestrated the play and had a lot of time on the ball, which was helped by the platform that the forwards presented them. The two props were solid in the scrummage and Matt Cox showed exceptional pace and work rate around the breakdown.

“We made changes in the second half to give all the players game time and Jonny Arr again looked the part. Twelve months ago we blooded Jonny and since then he has even forced his way onto the first team bench. He came on after the break at Sale and again showed he has matured immensely both physically and tactically.

“The young players are all showing the experience they are gaining from time spent with loan clubs, it is standing them in good stead because they are showing themselves to be a lot more mature than their years.”

Warriors, made up of a good mix of youth and experience with players like Gary Trueman and a fit-again Tim Collier featuring, opened the scoring on seven minutes through a kick from Carlisle before grabbing the first try of the night on ten after a catch and drive saw hooker Gotting dive over.

Sharks lost a man to the sinbin on 12 minutes and went further behind four minutes later when a turnover allowed Tongan speedster Havili to dart in the corner. Ice cool Carlisle added the extras for the comfort of an early 15-0 lead.

Talei, who has recently returned from his World Cup exploits, grabbed his moment of glory on 28 minutes after another power packed catch and drive from the forwards. Carlisle was again deadly as his boot extended the lead to 22-0 at the break despite Matt Cox being sinbinned.

Marc Jones replied for Sale just after the break but Warriors were soon back in the ascendancy when winger Uche Oduoza scorched over.

A string of replacements caused some disruption with Dale Gardner reducing the deficit on 68 minutes for the home side.

Second half sub Everett made his mark with a final Worcester try on 70 minutes before Sale grabbed no more than a late consolation score to complete the entertaining clash.

“It was a good all-round performance by the guys who had an opportunity to show themselves for the first team and step forward. That was also our first five-try bonus point win in the A League so a great start to the campaign," added Meechan.

“Now we switch our attention to Leicester Tigers and our first home Guinness A League game at Sixways Stadium on Monday night (kick-off 7.30pm).

“Tigers are always competitive and tough - what you would expect from the current A League champions. We hope supporters will come out in force and back the boys as they look to continue a winning start.”