Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson makes eight changes to his starting XV as he names his side to face Northampton Saints on Saturday 13th March (Kick-Off 2:45pm). The Sharks head to Franklin’s Gardens on the hunt of a third successive Gallagher Premiership victory that could prove pivotal to their top four chances this season.
A shift in the Sharks forwards sees Ross Harrison and Akker van der Merwe join Will-Griff John in an experienced Sale front row after impressive cameos from the duo against Newcastle Falcons in round twelve. Cobus Wiese shifts from flanker to lock and joins Lood de Jager in an all-South African second row. Jean-Luc du Preez returns to take his place alongside twin brother Daniel and Club Captain Jono Ross and in a powerful Sharks back-row.
After an inspiring performance at the AJ Bell Stadium last weekend, Faf de Klerk and AJ McGinty secure the nine and ten shirts for the trip down the M6 and will have a familiar pairing of Sam Hill and Sam James at their disposal in midfield.
Arron Reed makes his first appearance this season and the pacey academy winger is joined by Scotland international Byron McGuigan and Simon Hammersley in back three.
Curtis Langdon, Bevan Rodd and Coenie Oosthuizen are named as an energetic replacement front row, with Josh Beaumont and Sam Dugdale providing further cover for the forwards. Raffi Quirke, Robert du Preez and Tom Roebuck cover the back line.
