Sale began their European Challenge Cup campaign with a thrilling 20-20 draw with Toulouse at AJ Bell Stadium.

The Sharks, having lost four of their opening six Aviva Premiership matches, looked set for another defeat when tries from Semi Kunatani and Sebastien Bezy -- both converted by the latter -- put Toulouse 14-3 up heading into half-time.

However, Sale hit back and built a 17-14 lead after prolific winger Denny Solomona and Bryn Evans crossed either side of the interval, with Faf de Klerk adding the extras.

Then it became a battle of the boot, with Bezy and De Klerk exchanging penalties to leave Sale holding a narrow 20-17 lead going into the closing stages.

But Bezy had the final say after Sale had been penalised for offside at a ruck , the France fly-half nailing his 74th-minute kick to earn left four-time European champions Toulouse a draw.