Sale’s last defeat in the league came in March against Bath, who they will face at the Recreation Ground in the semi-finals on 1 June.

Their winning run has included victories over Leicester, Newcastle, Harlequins and Exeter.

“The stats will back Bath with 70-80% of the home teams winning semi-finals,” the Sharks captain said.

“Six or seven weeks ago, no-one was expecting anything, and still no-one is expecting anything from us.

“We are happy with that and will focus on ourselves and see what happens.”

Before the victory against Saracens, head coach Alex Sanderson said Tom Curry was “not far off” a return, but confirmed that game came just too soon for the England flanker.

Brother Ben missed the Premiership final defeat by Saracens last season through injury, but is confident his twin can join him for their semi-final against Bath.

“Hopefully we will see him soon which would be a big lift for the team especially this time of the year, that could be huge for us,” he added.