Asked to play their second high octane match in four days, the effort eventually proved too big an ask as Wasps took the opportunity to leap-frog Sale and push the visitors down into fifth place.
And despite a Herculean second-half fight-back Sale left without even the consolation of a losing bonus point which their efforts richly deserved.
And a seventh successive League win for Wasps now means the Sharks must win all three of their remaining League fixtures and also bank on their high-flying rivals slipping up if they are to claim a top four berth.
The bare facts show that tries by Tom Voyce and Paul Sackey plus a 19-point haul by England's fly-half Danny Cipriani edged out a fine touch-down by Sharks full-back Ben Foden and a 14-point display by Sharks No 10 Charlie Hodgson.
But they tell only half the story of what was a quite thrilling show-down.
Reflection
For Sale, on reflection, will know that they were in part architects of their own downfall due to poor decision making at key moments and lack of discipline.
And defeat was particularly harsh on Foden who yet again produced an outstanding individual display, shrugging off the nightmare of gifting Wasps an eight minute opening try by Voyce after Foden's ambitious pass was intercepted by the Wasps winger.
And when England star Sackey added a second touchdown for the hosts to make it 17-3 early in the second half, the game appeared to be up for the shell-shocked Sharks.
But, inspired by Foden's never-say-die spirit, Sale launched a spirited fight-back which was crowned by Foden's 64th minute try and was peppered by three penalties from Hodgson, adding to the fly-half's third minute kick.
But Cipriani showed just what all the fuss is about by proving equally adept with the boot and kept Sale at arms length at crucial passages, helping himself to five penalties and two conversions in a 19 point master class.
Wasps must now be firm favourites to book a place in the last four shoot out.
For Sale, sadly, the picture is a lot less clear though on Tuesday night's evidence few would begrudge they merit a place alongside the game's elite.
What do you think? Have your say.
Tweet
