Sale Sharks have named their side to face Worcester Warriors in round seventeen of the Gallagher Premiership this weekend. The Sharks head to Sixways Stadium on Saturday in search of their first away victory over the Warriors since the 2017/18 Premiership season. (Kick-off 3:00pm – Live on BT Sport Extra)
Alex Sanderson makes nine changes to his starting line-up ahead of this weekend’s clash with Worcester Warriors. TheSharks’ Director of Rugby names academy graduates Bevan Rodd and Curtis Langdon alongside Will-Griff John in a complete switch of the Sale front-row.
The Sharks second row remains unchanged after an uncompromising performance from South African duo JP du Preez and Cobus Wiese in round 16.
Cameron Neild replaces Jean-Luc du Preez to take his place in an abrasive Sale back-row. Neild is joined by England international Tom Curry and Springbok Daniel du Preez. Curry captains the side tomorrow in the absence of Jono Ross.
Sharks stalwart Will Cliff returns to action against the Warriors and the Premiership veteran links up with AJ MacGinty to form a highly experienced half back partnership.
Another of the Sharks’ exciting crop of academy talent is named by Sanderson in the midfield, as Former England U20 captain Connor Doherty lines up at inside centre alongside Sam James.
Following another impressive try-scoring performance in Sale’s victory over Gloucester last weekend, the electric Arron Reed takes his place in the Sharks back three alongside Scotland’s Byron McGuigan and the elusive Simon Hammersley.
A steady mix of international experience and youthful exuberance has been named as replacements for tomorrow’s match with Worcester. Ewan Ashman is joined by Valery Morozov and Coenie Oosthuizen as front row cover, with James Phillips and Jean-Luc du providing even more bulk from the bench.
Raffi Quirke, Kieran Wilkinson and Luke James will offer an extremely exciting combination of back line cover on Saturday.
Sanderson was wary of the threat Worcester pose when at home and has warned his side not to underestimate the Warriors. Looking ahead to the match during his press conference this week, he said:
“Worcester are an easy team to underestimate, but they always start out strong and are really physical, they didn’t get the win against Saints last weekend, but they definitely took it to them and gave them a run for their money.
“If you go down to Sixways with the wrong attitude you’re in trouble. I expect Worcester to be really physical tomorrow. They have threats all over the park, some great ball carriers, lots of good runners and a solid scrum too. If we think it’s going to be easy, we will get embarrassed, so we will give them the respect they deserve.”
