Sale Sharks have named their side as they prepare to return to Gallagher Premiership action on New Years Day. Alex Sanderson names a strong side with Jono Ross, Will Cliff and Byron McGuigan all returning for the Sharks to face Wasps at the AJ Bell Stadium this weekend. (Kick-Off 2:00pm – Live on BT Sport)
In an unchanged front-row from the Sharks last fixture against the Ospreys, Bevan Rodd, Ewan Ashman and Nick Schonert all start, providing a steady mix of youth and experience in the Sharks forwards. The imposing Jean-Luc du Preez joins World Cup winner Lood de Jager in the second-row as Sale look to get back to their winning ways in the Premiership this weekend.
Jono Ross returns to captain the side after spending over a month on the sidelines following a head injury sustained in November. The South African is joined by Ben Curry and Daniel du Preez in the Sale back-row.
Fit again Will Cliff and AJ MacGinty combine at half-back with the scrum half making his first appearance for Sale since sustaining a knee injury in round three of the Gallagher Premiership.
The pair have the power and precision of South African duo Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Robert du Preez at their disposal in midfield, whilst Marland Yarde and Byron McGuigan offer plenty of finishing prowess on either wing. Luke James takes his place at full back.
Ex-Wasps duo Tommy Taylor and Simon McIntyre are both involved against their former club for the first time on Saturday and act as front-row replacements alongside Springbok Coenie Oosthuizen. Matt Postlethwaite and Sam Dugdale act as further cover for the forwards.
Gus Warr, Sam James and Simon Hammersley cover the Sharks back line.
