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Image source, Rex Features

As player of the match George Ford said, that game was what play-off matches are all about.

Physical, bruising and decided on small margins but Sale come out on top.

Rugby's northern powerhouse will head for HQ on 27 May to face Saracens in what promises to be a humdinger.

Saracens desperate to get back on top after four rollercoaster years. The Sharks keen to end a 17-year wait.

Thank you for your company today (and yesterday). We'll back with you on 27 May to bring you all the big hits and magic moments from Twickenham.

Luther Burrell
Former England centre on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 5 live sports extra

The final is going to be a real battle of attrition, two gigantic teams coming against each other.

It will come down to the little moments, creating opportunities and winning points from them.

We know what Saracens do, they can suffocate teams so if Sale can counter that, we'll be in for a fantastic final.

Vicky Macqueen
Ex-England full-back on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Leicester

There were so many close crucial moments in that game that led to Sale's victory.

And now they're deservedly in the final.

Second against first. North against south. George Ford versus Owen Farrell.

Former Saracens coach Alex Sanderson taking on his old club as director of rugby at Sale.

So many intriguing aspects in store for the Premiership final at Twickenham.

Image source, PA Media

Sale Sharks fly-half George Ford speaking to BT Sport:

"We didn't think it was over until the very end. Leicester fight like nothing else. We expected that, we anticipated that.

"But I was proud of the way the boys stuck in there. That's what play-off games are about.

"It was my first long-term injury. I'm proud to play in this team, and I've never seen this place (AJ Bell Stadium) like it.

"We want to make people proud up here."

Christian Day
Former Sale Sharks captain on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Manchester

Image source, PA Media

It's just rewards for a fantastic season. So much effort goes into this, it's not just 15 guys on the pitch, it's the whole squad.

Rugby in the north west is something Sale are trying to champion and trying to win that trophy they've not won for 17 years could be a massive moment for the club.

Robin Grey
³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Manchester

There are scenes of jubilation and euphoria in the AJ Bell, where you can say on the balance of play, Sale deserve it.

The club has put so much effort into trying to re-establish things on and off the pitch and now they get their chance to claim silverware.

You sensed this was Sale's time and Alex Sanderson and his players have grasped it.

This felt like a huge day for rugby union in the north west and Sale stood up and they are now 80 minutes away from being champions of England.

Image source, Rex Features

George Ford kicks the ball into touch and Sale have done it!

A bruising, absorbing encounter and the Sharks make home advantage count.

Sale will play Saracens in the final at Twickenham on 27 May.

The Sharks have the ball.

The Sale fans are in full voice. They can sense their boys are bound for Twickenham.

Jack van Poortvliet, what have you done?

A penalty just inside the Sale half. He goes for a touch right near the tryline, but he goes long and kicks it dead.

That could be the game done and dusted.

Leicester have the ball again but they are only just in the Sale half. And they need two scores.

And quickly!

New Leicester fly-half Charlie Atkinson, on for Jimmy Gopperth, with a huge error as he misses touch with his kick for the corner.

That is such a pressure-reliever for Sale.

And it could signal the end of Leicester's hopes of winning this game.

Luther Burrell
Former England centre on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 5 live sports extra

Both teams hare been defending like their lives depend on it.

You can tell why so many players are on the floor right now, it's been a real physical battle.

After a big chat between the medics and Wayne Barnes and his refereeing team, Tom Curry must leave the field and Tom O'Flaherty comes on instead.

That's because Du Preez is injured and does not need an HIA.

Dan du Preez is down as he looks to have taken a knock on the head. This has certainly been a bruising affair.

Du Preez comes off, holding his arm very gingerly and Tom Curry has to return.

Tom Curry has left everything out there and he leaves the field to warm applause as Josh Beaumont comes on.

For Leicester, Ollie Cracknell replaces Jasper Wiese.

George Ford really is a good man to have patrolling things out there for Sale in this position.

He is basically Alex Sanderson's on-field general.

Vicky Macqueen
Ex-England full-back on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Leicester

Sale will be taking control of this game now and slowing it down where they can.