Premiership rugby finally returns after an extended break to the North West, and Sale come into it off the back of a fantastic away win, international players in red-hot form and a top 4 place back on the agenda. What’s not to like! 

Since we were last at home for a Premiership Rugby Cup win against Newcastle, much has happened in the world of Sale Sharks. The less said about the quarter final of that particular competition away at Exeter the better – a near full strength Exeter team putting us to the sword for another hefty defeat at Sandy Park was only made bearable by the lack of television coverage saving most Sharks fans from having to endure too much pain.  

Instead let’s talk about some fantastic performances on the international stage – WillGriff John having an exceptional game for Wales against Ireland, while in England colours Ben and Tom Curry were imperious throughout the tournament. Even sweeter was to see five Sharks in the matchday 23 for the Wales game, with Luke Cowan-Dickie, Tom Roebuck and George Ford all contributing with tap tackles, tries and try assists respectively. Proof if proof was needed that the more Sharks you pick the better you’ll play! 

With the conclusion of the Six Nations focus turned back to domestic matters and a potentially very tricky trip to the North East to face Dimes’s Newcastle team who had already turned over Saracens and Exeter at Kingston Park this season. With our away form having been fairly dismal this season, there was some nervousness in our preview podcast last week. Shows how much we know – Sale looked as good as ever in defence and much slicker than we’ve seen in attack, with particularly George Ford and Tom Roebuck bringing their quality and form from the end of the Six Nations into the game. It was a comfortable win in the end, with a crucial bonus point secured and some fantastic tries including a box-cross-kick from Fordy that will live long in the memory. We also saw the best of our young prop forward stock as Bevan Rodd finished like Mark Cueto and Asher stepped like Jason Robinson! 

That brings us to a very tasty game against the current champions Northampton Saints – another must win for Sale to keep pace in the table. Saints have had a tougher season than last year and will be smarting from a home loss to rivals Leicester in the last round. While we’ve loved watching their backline bring the exciting attack to the international game, hopefully it meets an even fiercer Byron McGuigan defence tonight to stop it in its tracks. Unfortunately that’s much easier for us to write down than it is in person no doubt, so all we can do is enjoy the Friday Night Lights and get behind the team as loudly and proudly as possible!  

Enjoy the game, 

Alex and James