Neil de Kock insists Saracens are close to getting their first win of the season after a last-gasp defeat at Sale on Friday.

The Men in Black dominated for long spells but Charlie Hodgson's drop goal deep into injury time sent them to their second successive defeat in the Guinness Premiership.

He said: "To come away and try and get a result and lose it at the death is very disappointing. We lost very narrowly last week and this week so I don't feel we are far away from getting our game where we want it.

"I felt we played some decent rugby in the first half and were very close to breaking through and scoring some points. But fair play they defended well. To come up here and lose is disappointing but I believe our game is progressing."

De Kock came off injured during the first half after an accidental clash with teammate Kameli Ratuvou but is hopeful he will return for the Newcastle game at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

De Kock said: "I think Kameli and I both tried to chase the same ball and my head collided with his knee which was quite unfortunate if you've seen the size of his legs.

"I feel pretty good, a little bit of a stiff neck. They'll assess me today and make a decision by tomorrow or Wednesday. I'm feeling pretty good now but we'll just let the doctors decide."