“Semi-finals and finals are one-off games, but we’ll be going down there all guns blazing,” said the England fly-half.

The success at Saracens was their first away to the champions since 2005 and leaves Alex Sanderson’s side in high spirits as they begin preparations for the match with Bath.

Defeat away to the same opponents in March left Sale as low as eighth after a four-match losing run in the Premiership.

But Ford, 31, recognises they have momentum as they chase a spot in the Premiership final, 12 months after finishing runners-up to Saracens.

“We knew we’d have to go on a run where we were pretty flawless in terms of results, to get another opportunity,” he told BBC Radio Manchester.

“But we’re full of confidence, we’ve got some momentum, and we’ll be buzzing for that game.”