Gloucester marched into the top three of the Zurich Premiership with a five-try victory over Sale, inspired by a magnificent forward performance on Saturday night.

Led by an outstanding effort from their captain Jake Boer, the hosts were comfortable and deserved winners against a Sale side depleted by international call-ups and injuries.

Despite missing their two England props Phil Vickery and Trevor Woodman, Gloucester were still far superior against a Sale pack who were physical but lacked the overall quality to seriously threaten the hosts.

Gloucester were in business by the 12th minute when lock Alex Brown collected a line-out, and the home pack drove 15metres for Boer to be awarded the score. Stand-off Duncan McRae converted from the touch line.

Sale responded with a couple of meaningful attacks which might have led to tries.

But debut winger Mark Foster made a brilliant turn and tackle to deny Steve Hanley a try - and the same man also failed to score when Gloucester full-back Jon Goodridge stumbled collecting a downfield kick.

The visitors were made to pay after 34 minutes when Gloucester produced a carbon copy of their first try.

Brown again took the line-out, and from a powerful drive prop Rodrigo Roncero collected the try. McRae again converted.

Gloucester's dominance continued into the second half with a McRae penalty to make it 17-0 after 41 minutes - but Sale's dangerous midfield runners then grabbed a try they hugely deserved.

Again it was Hanley, making a powerful break behind Foster who caused the panic - and his inside pass was collected by Scott Benton who raced in to score.

There was to be no comeback, though, and Gloucester's superior power paid dividends again after 52 minutes.

Goodridge made a telling break deep inside Sale territory - and when possession was recycled Alex Page and McRae fed long passes towards Terry Fanolua who chipped goalwards but was tackled late. Referee Tony Spreadbury therefore awarded Gloucester a penalty try.

McRae's conversion took Gloucester 24-7 ahead, and the only question was whether they could manage a bonus point.

They did so with eight minutes remaining.

Sale's desperation forced stand-off Mike Hercus to chip out of his 22, but number eight Junior Paramore charged down and collected the try.

There was still time for a late Sale score from Chris Mayor. But it was Roncero who had the final word for Gloucester when he intercepted and ran fully 50m for his second try in injury time to complete an emphatic victory.