Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan blamed rugby's laws for his side's 23-9 defeat at unbeaten Sale Sharks last night in the Guinness Premiership.

The Cherry and Whites boss is disappointed Gloucester's counter-attacking game has been made redundant due to a clampdown on sealing off the play at the rucks.

Sale, who are joint top, made more of their territory and possession to claim the deserved win.

Ryan said: "We came second in a quality kicking contest. That's another game (in itself) now. Sale were excellent under the new laws.

"There is a lot of kicking now – last season we would have counter attacked. We have to engage in a kicking contest and that's involving (Gloucester) players that are not as good at it as Sale were.

"We have to accept we are finding it difficult. It is very difficult with the new ruck law. You cannot come back running (from kicks)."

Gloucester hardly threatened the Sale try line and their best effort came with minutes to go when Sale already had the win in the bag. Olly Barkley kicked three penalties for the Cherry and Whites.

Sale boss Philippe Saint Andre was delighted with his side's display. The Sharks have now won their four opening Premiership matches and have not conceded a try in any of those matches.

Although also disappointed with the new laws, the former Gloucester director of rugby was thrilled to see Frenchman Sebastien Chabal back to his best.

Saint Andre said: "I am pleased with the performance of the team but I'm still sceptical about these new laws.

"I thought the performance of the team was fantastic. We scored two brilliant tries. We had opportunities to score more.

"And we have gone four consecutive matches without conceding a try. The guys are working hard for each other.

"Chabal was the captain out there. He is back to his best. It was difficult for him last year because of the World Cup."