Hougaard class 'vital for Warriors'
The recently-signed Springbok – who has been playing Sevens so far this season – crossed for a try at Sixways on his first Aviva Premiership Rugby appearance.
With no win since Round Four in the league, the Warriors hit the ground running as Carl Kirwan and Hougaard both went over in the first half.
Dave Seymour gave the Sharks a foothold before the break, but the accurate place kicking of Warriors flyhalf Tom Heathcote was in stark contrast to Danny Cipriani who had a tough day from the tee.
Tommy Taylor's try straight after half-time trimmed the lead again, but Chris Pennell hit straight back for the home side to put them 31-13 to the good.
Sharks fullback Mike Haley then crossed twice in the final 20 minutes to claim the consolation of a four-try bonus point but Cipriani's four missed conversions meant the Warriors victory was secured – and lifts them to tenth in the league standings with Newcastle Falcons playing on Sunday.
But it was the appearance of Hougaard – 35 times capped by South Africa – that proved vital according to Ryan.
"He only arrived on Monday, but Francois was outstanding," he said of the match this past Saturday.
"He's a class player and his confidence spread through the team.
"We are delighted to get a win over the form team in the Premiership.
"Apart from the London Irish, our performances haven't been an issue but we just needed a bit of self-belief to get over the line.
"We've put ourselves in a bit of a fight as we missed three or four chances earlier in the season."
The Sharks had won their last six matches in all competitions – their best run since 2007, with their only defeat in their last four away games coming at Exeter on Boxing Day.
But they were made to pay for a slow start according to their director of rugby Steve Diamond.
"In the first half, we weren't at the races. They were hungrier than us and we didn't match it and we made two or three defensive errors," he said.
"In the second half, we were much better and I'm disappointed that we didn't go away with two bonus points."
Sale skipper and England squad member Josh Beaumont was helped from the field due to injury on the final whistle.
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