The two-time reigning champions secured their place in the last 16 while consigning Sale to the Challenge Cup with a 37-24 win at the AJ Bell Stadium.
Sale trailed 30-0 after 50 minutes but staged a spirited second-half rally which resulted in tries for Tom Roebuck, Sam Dugdale, Veainu Agustin Creevy.
But that proved to be too little too late for the Sharks, with director of rugby Sanderson admitting they need to do better in key moments.
He said: "I'm very proud of the effort, but we missed a few opportunities out there which could have made a huge difference.
"There were massive momentum swings in that game, but ultimately we weren't good enough as you need to be more clinical against the top teams.
Denne historien er fra January 22, 2024-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
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Denne historien er fra January 22, 2024-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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