Nick Macleod kicked Sale ahead with his second penalty attempt but the tries then followed in quick succession for the English side.

James Gaskell crossed for the first score after Agen failed to clear their lines. Prop Marc Jones was next over with Macleod converting to give his side a 15 v 0 advantage.

Vernon scored Sale's third try before Damien Lagrange gave Agen some hope with their first try.

But order was soon resumed with Luther Burrell touching down for the all important bonus-point score before the interval.

The second-half was a much tighter affair, Pat O'Connor scoring the only try for Agen, which again Laurent Courrent converted but it was Sale's night and they welcome Agen to Edgeley Park a week on Sunday.