Vice-captain Hanro Liebenberg scored Leicester’s only try as the Tigers earned their sixth successive English Premiership win this season with a victory over Sale Sharks at Welford Road on Saturday.

Liebenberg, who played in an all-Springbok back row alongside Marco van Staden and Jasper Wiese, scored a second-half try to help Leicester continue an unbeaten start to the season and hold on to top spot on the log.

Van Staden put in an excellent defensive effort, missing just two of his 25 tackle attempts, adding to the 28 tackles he made last weekend.

Springbok lock Lood de Jager played 66 minutes for Sale, who also had Jean-Luc du Preez at No 8.

Tigers flyhalf George Ford was ultimately the match-winner as he tried to prove a point to England boss Eddie Jones after being left out of the Autumn Nations series squad.

Ford, capped 77 times, kicked four penalties and converted Liebenberg’s 50th-minute try.

Kieran Wilkinson kicked two penalties for the Sharks and hooker Curtis Langdon scored a late try, but it was another gritty Tigers victory as they continued their impressive resurgence under head coach Steve Borthwick.

Meanwhile, London Irish clinched their first victory of the season as they beat Exeter Chiefs 33-21.

The Exiles never trailed as they humbled the title contenders by securing their first win since March.

Tries from Argentina hooker Agustin Creevy and Australia wing Curtis Rona gave them a dream start, but they were forced to weather the storm as the Chiefs fought back.

Irish pulled clear when Benhard van Rensburg, Ben Loader and Ollie Hassell-Collins touched down.

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