Scrum of the Earth /

Not only are they unbeaten and top of the Guinness Premiership but Sale Sharks have secured further recognition for their cracking start to the season by securing both the Guinness Premiership Director of Rugby and Player of the Month Awards.

Philippe Saint Andre and Luke McAllister bagged the inaugural gongs of the season, becoming the first team in the 11 year history of the league to play four consecutive matches without conceding a try.

McAllister pipped Charlie Hodgson to the award while Leicester Tigers' Tom Croft and their new coach Heyneke Meyer were also mentioned.