It’s a family affair as Sale Sharks name three sets of siblings in their matchday squad to face Ospreys to kick off of their 2021/22 Heineken Champions Cup campaign at the Swansea.com Stadium this Sunday.(Kick-Off 13:00 – Live on BT Sport)
Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson selects two sets of identical twins to square off against the Welsh region this weekend as Jean-Luc and Daniel du Preez are named in the Sale pack alongside Tom and Ben Curry for the first time this season.
Sanderson names newly capped England loosehead Bevan Rodd alongside Scotland hooker Ewan Ashman in the Sharks front row. The academy graduates join tighthead Nick Schonert for their first taste of European action this year.
The imposing Jean-Luc du Preez is named in a heavyweight second row which includes the power and precision of World Cup winner Lood de Jager. Twin brother Daniel starts in his favoured position of number 8 and is flanked by Tom and Ben Curry, who line up at blindside and openside respectively.
Raffi Quirke and AJ MacGinty continue to develop their half-back relationship in the absence of Faf de Klerk and the pair have an electric Sharks back-line at their disposal in Swansea.
Powerhouse centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg joins compatriot Robert du Preez in the midfield this weekend, with the pair offering plenty of line-break and distribution options between them.
Marland Yarde and England under 20 star Tom Roebuck start on either wing, whilst Simon Hammerlsey provides a pair of reliable hands at full-back.
Tommy Taylor returns to action for the Sharks in Europe after suffering a shoulder injury during Sales Gallagher Premiership round six match with Leicester Tigers. The hooker acts as a front-row replacement alongside Ross Harrison and Springbok Coenie Oosthuizen, whislt Jean-Pierre du Preez and Sam Dugdale offer further cover for the forwards.
Gus Warr, Sam James and Luke James provide cover for the Sale back-line on Sunday.
