Tom Curry returns to Gallagher Premiership action alongside nine other internationals as Alex Sanderson names a strong Sale Sharks side to face Wasps in the penultimate round of the 2021-22 season on Friday night. (Kick-off 7:45pm – Live on BT Sport)
The Sharks Director of Rugby makes two changes to the team named to face Racing 92 in the Heineken Champions Cup quarter final a fortnight ago as Arron Reed returns from suspension to replace Simon Hammersley on the wing.
In the forwards, Bevan Rodd, Akker van der Merwe and Nick Schonert make up an experienced starting front row with the trio supported by the imposing lock partnership of Jean-Luc du Preez and Lood de Jager.
Jono Ross captains the side from blindside flanker with Tom Curry lining up in his usual position at openside. The powerful Daniel du Preez starts at number 8.
Faf de Klerk and AJ MacGinty make their final away appearances for Sale Sharks before heading to pastures new, as the mercurial pair are named at half-back by Sanderson.
There will be plenty of options for the duo in attack as Manu Tuilagi and Robert du Preez line up in the midfield at inside and outside centre respectively, while Arron Reed returns from suspension to join fellow academy graduates Tom Roebuck and Sam James in the Sharks back three.
On the bench, Ewan Ashman, Simon McIntyre and Coenie Oosthuizen are named as front-row replacements with Cobus Wiese and Ben Curry offering further cover for the forwards.
Gus Warr, Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Simon Hammersley offer experienced cover for the backs.
Sale Sharks Starting XV:
15. Sam James, 14. Tom Roebuck, 13. Robert du Preez, 12. Manu Tuilagi 11. Arron Reed, 10. AJ MacGinty, 9. Faf de Klerk; 1. Bevan Rodd, 2. Akker van der Merwe, 3. Nick Schonert, 4. Jean-Luc du Preez, 5. Lood de Jager, 6. Jono Ross (C), 7. Tom Curry, 8. Daniel du Preez.
Replacements:
16. Ewan Ashman, 17. Simon McIntyre, 18. Coenie Oosthuizen, 19. Cobus Wiese, 20. Ben Curry, 21. Gus Warr, 22. Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 23. Simon Hammersley
