Sale's director of rugby is still smarting at his side's last-day capitulation at the hands of London Irish when they blew the chance of a place in the Guinness Premiership play-offs by a single point.
Since that depressing May day collapse, much has changed at Edgeley Park in terms of playing staff.
Top-notch quality has arrived in the shape of former Falcons star Mathew Tait and Wales and British Lions scum-half Dwayne Peel, not to mention the likes of Luke Abraham, Kristian Ormsby, David Doherty and Andy Tuilagi.
But according to Saint-Andre, the key to success for Sharks this season lies in their state of mind.
"The memory of that London Irish defeat will hopefully act as an incentive," he admits. "It was a big disappointment for the club when you work hard for 11 months and fail to reach the play-offs by a single point.
"This year I want our players to concentrate on playing for Sale. The club is their bread and butter and if the guys play internationals, then it's happy days for them. But first they need to play for Sale and this is the big message that I have given to my squad - I want all the guys to play for us.
"We aren't well off in numbers as we only have 31 or 32 players whereas a lot of squads have around 38 players but we do have quality.However, you don't become a good team on paper, you make your mark on the pitch.
"Two years ago when we were English champions maybe the team was not as good as last year but they were desperate and all the team they gave 110 per cent every week.
"That's what I want back at the club this year. I want to see all the guys working very hard for each other."
With Sale looking to set down a marker for the rest of the campaign, Saint-Andre has named a strong team for tomorrow's Kingston Park clash.
Tait will make his Sharks Premiership debut at full-back while, as expected, Peel has been given the nod over England scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth.
However, Jason White and Sebastien Bruno (knee) are ruled out through injury while England prop Andrew Sheridan (hamstring) and Scotland star Rory Lamont (arm) will have fitness tests today to see if they can join the replacements.
"We've had to upset a few players this weekend by not picking them," revealed Saint-Andre.
"The 22 involved know we have a good squad this year and competition for places will be intense, so they need to perform well to hold onto their jersey."
A bonus for Sale tomorrow is the absence of England's Jonny Wilkinson.
The Newcastle fly-half Wilkinson underwent shoulder surgery during the summer and his club have decided to give him more recovery time and have drafted in England U18 prospect Rory Clegg at fly-half.
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