Sale Sharks have named their side to face Leicester Tigers in round fourteen of the Gallagher Premiership. Experienced internationals Coenie Oosthuizen and Byron McGuigan both return to action for Sale as Alex Sanderson makes five changes to his starting line-up ahead of Sunday’s showdown, which will be shown live on ITV (3pm Kick-Off).
In the forwards, the Sharks’ most-capped player Ross Harrison returns to the Sale pack in the absence of England international Bevan Rodd with the experienced loosehead joining Scotland star Ewan Ashman and Springbok veteran Oosthuizen in the front-row.
The Sharks back five remain the same as Jean-Luc du Preez and Lood de Jager link up once again in the second-row, whilst Jono Ross, Ben Curry and Daniel du Preez make up the Sale back row at six, seven and eight respectively.
Will Cliff returns to Premiership action after lining up as a replacement in the Heineken Champions Cup. The 33 year old joins the mercurial AJ MacGinty at half-back and the pair will be looking to get the Sharks back-line firing in the free-to-air clash with the league leaders.
South African internationals Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Robert du Preez continue to develop their midfield partnership in the absence of Manu Tuilagi and have plenty of options outside them on Sunday.
The prolific Tom Roebuck keeps his place on the right wing but is joined by Byron McGuigan who returns from injury to line up against the Tigers. Luke James replaces Simon Hammersley at full-back.
On the bench, Curtis Langdon, Simon McIntyre and Joe Jones act as front row replacements whilst JP du Preez and Sam Dugdale provide further cover for the forwards. Backs replacements Gus Warr, Sam James and Arron Reed provide a blend of pace and attacking nous for the Sharks coaches to choose from.
Players not available through injury:
Short Term:
Manu Tuilagi – Quins (Hamstring)
Cobus Weise – Quins (Hamstring)
Faf de Klerk- Worcester (Hip Flexor)
Sam Hill – Worcester (Shoulder)
Long Term:
Akker van set Merwe- March (Ankle)
Josh Beaumont – March – (Knee)
James Harper – March – (Knee)
Nick Schonert is seeing specialist this week to determine a plan for the rehabilitation of an ankle injury sustained against Ospreys last weekend.
