The British Lions player was left out of the Wales squad by coach Warren Gatland last Monday, ahead of their RBS 6 Nations defence.

Saint-Andre admitted the former Llanelli Scarlets star took that announcement hard, but Peel hit back in the best way with a sparkling performance and a try as Sale beat their French opponents at Edgeley Park.

Wing Oriol Ripol and number eight David Tait got Sale's other tries, while centre Thomas Combezou and wing Napolioni Nalaga went over for Clermont in a largely scrappy match.

Saint-Andre, who is leaving the Guinness Premiership club at the end of the season, with current head coach Kingsley Jones taking overall command, said of Peel: "He was very low at the beginning of the week but he knows that the best way to respond was to show them today.

"He played very well. He was very good in defence and did a lot of work. He scored a good try and showed that he could have done a job for the Six Nations.

"But I will have Richard Wigglesworth and Dwayne Peel next week so, in a selfish way, it is not too bad."