World Cup winner Lood de Jager makes his long-awaited return to action for Sale Sharks as Alex Sanderson names an experienced side to face Leicester Tigers in round six of the Gallagher Premiership this Saturday. (Kick-off 3:00pm)
The Sharks Director of Rugby makes seven changes to his matchday squad following victory over Harlequins in round five as Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Marland Yarde and Ben Curry are all included for the trip to the East Midlands. The match also sees a first appearance in a matchday squad for senior academy scrum-half Nye Thomas.
Sanderson names Bevan Rodd alongside new signings Tommy Taylor and Nick Schonert in his front row for this weekend’s test against the table-topping Tigers. Cobus Wiese retains his spot at lock following an impressive performance against Harlequins and is joined by returning Springbok star Lood de Jager in the second-row.
Jono Ross captains the Sharks from blindside flanker and is joined in the Sale back-row by British and Irish Lion Tom Curry who lines up at openside. Imposing Springbok Jean-Luc du Preez replaces brother Dan at number 8.
Gus Warr takes his place at scrum-half after impressing the Sharks coaching team whilst covering Raffi Quirke. Gus joins fellow academy graduate Kieran Wilkinson at half-back on Saturday.
Wilkinson, who marshalled the Sharks backs to victory against Harlequins, has the immense power of Manu Tuilagi and Rohan Janse van Rensburg at his disposal in midfield with the pair lining up at inside and outside centre respectively.
Byron McGuigan and Simon Hammersley keep their places in the Sale back three after a commanding aerial performance last week. They are joined by Marland Yarde, who returns to action in place of Denny Solomona following a two-week rest period.
Curtis Langdon, Ross Harrison and Coenie Oosthuizen provide plenty of nouse and experience as front-row replacements, whilst Jean-Pierre du Preez and Ben Curry offer further cover for the forwards.
Nye Thomas, Tom Curtis and Sam James cover the Sale back line.
