Alex Sanderson opts for consistency in selection this weekend as Sale Sharks prepare to face European giants ASM Clermont Auvergne at the AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday afternoon. (Kick-off 3:15pm – Live on BT Sport)
The Sharks Director of Rugby makes just one change to the side named in round one, as the Sale supremo looks to capitalise on his team’s success over Ospreys in South Wales last Sunday.
Sanderson names England loosehead Bevan Rodd alongside Scotland hooker Ewan Ashman in the Sharks front row with the pair of Sharks academy graduates linking up with Springbok tighthead Coenie Oosthuizen.
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 Hammersley 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 Joe Jones, 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 Saturday.
Players not available through injury:
Short Term: Jono Ross (1-2 weeks), Cobus Wiese (4-6 weeks), Manu Tuilagi ( 6 weeks)
Long Term: Josh Beaumont (Knee), Faf de Klerk (Hip Flexor), Sam Hill (Hamstring), James Harper (Knee)
