Sale head coach Philippe Saint Andre believes his side need to show more backbone after a woeful 18-12 Guinness Premiership home defeat to rock-bottom Worcester.

The champions have now lost their last five games in all competitions and Andre insists results will have to improve between now and the end of the season.

``We need our players to fight for their lives,'' he said. ``We need to stick together and realise, at the moment, that we are not a good team.

``It's been the same for us for the past three or four months now. Teams are targeting Sale at home because they think they can win. At the moment, we are letting them.''

Tries from Shane Drahm and Tevita Taumoepeau in the first half put Sale to the sword while 12 points from the boot of the returning Daniel Larrechea only managed to salvage a losing bonus point for the hosts.

Saint Andre added: ``We are missing around nine first-team players and it is painful to learn the difference between first and second choice players.

``The only advantage to come out of this game is the one bonus point we picked up, which means we are still 10 points ahead of Worcester at the bottom.

``We have four games left now and I think we need another five points to make sure we are safe in this league.

``You can see the team is low on confidence because, from the start, we were missing tackles and letting Worcester get on top.

``I'm less disappointed with our performance today because I think Worcester have played well in recent weeks and were better than us on the day.''

Warriors coach John Brain hailed his sides' stout defensive performance after their second win in a week saw them draw level with Northampton at the foot of the table.

He said: ``We caused them problems with the ball and I thought we defended in exceptional fashion. ``They had lots of pressure in the final 20 minutes but, technically, our defence was something to be proud of.

``If we keep picking up points, it puts pressure on Newcastle, who are just above ourselves and Northampton.

``Sale have a lot of players who can break the line and hurt you. But our defensive record in 2007 is very good and not to concede a try tonight was a real achievement.

``We played well, anyone can see that, so we have got every prospect of finishing this season strongly.''