Bristol’s director of rugby hailed his side’s commitment, but insisted their season is on the line in Friday’s second leg at Ashton Gate.

Lam told Bristol Bears TV: “That's what wins you finals, defence. We were really disappointed the way we defended against Northampton.

“We got a lot of wrong. There was a lot of system errors.

“To come here to Sale and not concede a try here is massive with the firepower they have up front.

“It was a real testament to the boys. I knew they were really disappointed and we put the work in this week. We had a great session on the Tuesday and it unfolded here.

“I am pleased and really proud of the boys because we’ve never won here since I have been at the club and it has always been tough and physical.”

Semi Radradra scored the only try of the game as Bristol gained victory, but it was their battling qualities that stood out.

Lam said: “The one thing that was unbelievable was the guts, the fight of the team.

“We don’t look like a team that is in tenth position in the Premiership. We look like a team that is pretty together and that’s because we are.

“We earned the right to have our second half at home and we’ve got 80 minutes plus to get us into the quarter-finals, which would be awesome.”

Lam added: “We had a game plan, where with it being a 160-minute game we needed to not feed them, and unfortunately we were doing that through some discipline and skill errors.

“We spoke about that at half-time that there was a lot of opportunity, but we had to kick well, pass well, carry well and manage the breakdown.

“If we get those basics done really well, that will help us.”

Looking ahead to Friday’s second leg, Lam said: “It's all finals now and our whole season. We know it’s on the line, but we have a lot of confidence that the boys are tight and we will better, but so will they.

“We've just got to make sure we get our tactics right and have a really good prep, and most importantly hope all our fans get there to support us. It could be a big occasion for the club.”

Pat Lam praised Bristol Bears’ defence after they edged out Sale Sharks 10-9 in their Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 first leg clash.