SEBASTIEN Chabal led his team to the top of the table and into the history books on Friday.

Sharks became the first Premiership team to maintain a watertight defence for four consecutive games, with Gloucester the latest side to be denied a try.

The 23-9 victory elevated Sale to the league summit, with an impressive performance in which the hosts Sharks scored two tries.

Chabal was the first to cross the whitewash, followed by winger David Doherty with his debut touchdown for Sharks.

"I felt really well on the pitch last Friday but I think its because all the team worked really hard," explained Chabal. "I think it was our best game of the season. We had a good balance between our kicking game and keeping the ball on the pitch. But I don’t think Gloucester came here to win and play because they just kicked the ball. But, to be fair, it was still a good win for us."

Sharks number eight Chabal was captain, for the third time this term against Gloucester, in the absence of Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, who failed a late fitness test due to a neck and shoulder problem.

Chabal believes the role of skipper was made simpler because of the work ethic of Sharks’ squad.

He said: "It is really easy because everybody works hard on the pitch and does his job. I just manage a bit and speak to the referee when we think he’s made some wrong decisions."

The performances of Sharks’ summer signings have impressed the French international.

"I think they have shown on the pitch they are really good players," said Chabal. "With Dwayne Peel I think he speeds up the game because he is really clever and is a really fast player.  Mathew Tait for me is a mini Sheridan! He is quite strong and he loves to work with [prop Andrew] Sheridan. It is the first time I have seen a full-back working on his neck - it's unbelievable!"

Although Sale’s squad is packed with high profile players, Chabal remains the most famous.

And his long, dark locks and full beard have helped increase his popularity outside rugby circles - fame ...that is not entirely welcomed by the modest player.

"I don’t really like it," admitted Chabal. "To be fair I prefer to live quietly and stay out of the limelight but it’s part of my life now. In England it’s not too bad because people leave me alone, it’s much more difficult in France. That is why I stayed here and signed a new deal with Sale - for the quiet."

Chabal’s looks have earned him an army of female fans and career opportunities outside rugby.

"I do quite a lot of things on the side away from rugby. I like doing it so I try to manage it - to still perform when I’m on the pitch, to rest a lot, and when I have a bit of time I do some stuff on the side."

So is a hair-cut and shave now out of the question, given his iconic and marketable image?

"I can do what I want!" laughs Chabal. "Maybe it would be a good way to stay quiet - to shave everything!"

Despite his ascending stardom off the field, it is success on the international stage that Chabal really craves.

"[Representing France] is always on my mind," he said. "My main target for the future is the next World Cup in New Zealand. I really want to be involved in most of the French games but it starts by playing well for Sale."

On Wednesday Sharks face London Irish in a rare mid-week tie. Last season the Exiles denied Sharks a place in the play-offs with their 17-7 win in the final match of the season. Sale haven’t conceded any tries in the league since Irish’s Seilala Mapusa scored in that game.