Sale Sharks and Newcastle Falcons will showcase the best of the north’s rugby talent in a behind closed doors friendly match at Kingston Park this afternoon. (Kick-off 4pm)
The Sharks, who qualified for the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals with an emphatic victory over Llanelli Scarlets at the weekend, see the mid-season encounter as the perfect opportunity for their squad to gain some valuable game time in what has been an extraordinary season for professional sport.
Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson and Sale’s Academy Manager Fergus Mulchrone have worked together to form an exciting side to showcase the best of Sharks’ young northern talent alongside the proven Premiership prowess and experience of Will Cliff, Valery Morozov and JP Du Preez.
In a team brimming with some of northern rugby’s future superstars, Russian international Valery Morozov props up the Sharks front-row alongside Scotland U20 hooker Ewan Ashman and promising tight head James Harper.
The trio have the towering Jean-Pierre du Preez in the second row behind them with the South African partnering up with Rouban Birch at lock for this afternoon’s fixture.
Senior academy member Ewan Murphy starts in the back row alongside Sam Dugdale and the newly signed Jordan Tebbatt at number 8.
Will Cliff and Kieran Wilkinson form a familiar pairing at half-back and have an exciting crop of talent at their disposal in an electric Sharks back line that includes Arron Reed and Leeds Tykes’ Jack Metcalf on the wings.
Joe Bedlow teams up with Connor Doherty in the midfield, whilst talented young full back Elliot Gourlay takes the 15 shirt in what will be his first run out as a Sale player.
Jack Metcalf – Leeds Tykes
Josh Brown – Sale FC
Andrew Foster – Doncaster Knights
Jack Rouse – Doncaster Knights
Nye Thomas – Sale Sharks Under 18’s
James Kane – Doncaster Knights
