Sale Sharks boss Alex Sanderson says the fact they were not recognised in the Premiership's end-of-season awards has spurred on their play-off campaign.

There was no Sale representation in the Premiership team of the season despite their strong finish to the campaign to end 2023-24 in third position in the table.

Sanderson's side will take on second-placed Bath on Saturday in their semi-final, aiming to reach the Premiership final for the second season in a row.

"I went to the Premiership awards and I said to the lads I didn't have much to report. We didn't win a thing," Sanderson told BBC Radio Manchester.

"There was a massive uproar and cheer from the lads. I don't think it was a surprise. We were revelling in the fact that no-one really rates us."

Sale head into the play-offs as the form team, having put together five consecutive wins.

Fly-half George Ford's strong performances have been key to their revival from eighth place back in late March after a 42-24 defeat by semi-final opponents Bath, their fourth league loss on the bounce.

"He [Ford] has been brilliant for us," Sanderson said. "He shifted the attacking focus mentality of the international side. I believe he was a big influence for us in that.

"He still doesn't seem to be recognised for his efforts, not in-house but externally."