Connect with us

Premiership

TEAM NEWS – Stade Toulouse v Sale Sharks

Published

on

Alex Sanderson says his team are up for the challenge of facing Toulouse as the Sharks Director of Rugby makes three changes to his starting line-up for the Heineken Champions Cup round two clash at the imposing Ernest Wallon Stadium on Sunday (KO 1pm UK time, live on BT Sport).

Sam Hill and Byron McGuigan replace the injured Manu Tuilagi (concussion protocol) and Joe Carpenter (hamstring), while Ben Curry returns to the matchday squad to take his place on the replacements bench along with recent signing Ryan Mills and fit-again Ewan Ashman.

The Sharks pack is unchanged from the 39-0 win against Ulster in round one of the competition. That means Sale line up with Bevan Rodd and Nick Schonert either side of hooker Akker van der Merwe in the front row.

They’re backed up by Cobus Wiese and Jonny Hill in the second-row and Jean-Luc du Preez, Tom Curry and Dan du Preez in the back-row.

Gus Warr and captain Rob du Preez team up again at half-back, while Sam James has a new centre partner in the imposing form of Sam Hill.

Tom O’Flaherty and Arron Reed provide the gas on the wings, and Byron McGuigan replaces the injured Joe Carpenter at full-back.

Scotland hooker Ashman returns to the replacements bench after a shoulder injury and he’ll provide front-row cover along with Si McIntyre and Joe Jones.

Jono Ross and Ben Curry cover the rest of the forwards, while Joe Simpson, Tom Curtis and Ryan Mills are the backs replacements.

Speaking ahead of the game, the Sharks Director of Rugby said his team were relishing the challenge of going up against some of the world’s best.

He said: “They’ve got the best attack and the most offloads in the Top 14 but we’ve got the best defence and the most dominant collisions in the Premiership at the moment. There are loads of fantastic battles all over the pitch.

“It’s a brilliant match-up for us and a chance to test ourselves against the best team in the Top 14, with some of the best players in the world. We want our lads to relish it and love it.

“It’s an exciting challenge. We’re ready and we’re right up for it.”

Sale Sharks Starting XV:

15. Byron McGuigan, 14. Arron Reed, 13. Sam James, 12. Sam Hill, 11. Tom O’Flaherty, 10. Rob Du Preez ©, 9. Gus Warr; 1. Bevan Rodd, 2. Akker Van Der Merwe, 3. Nick Schonert, 4. Cobus Wiese, 5. Jonny Hill, 6. Jean-Luc Du Preez, 7. Tom Curry, 8. Daniel Du Preez

Replacements:

16. Ewan Ashman, 17. Simon McIntyre, 18. Joe Jones, 19. Jono Ross, 20. Ben Curry, 21. Joe Simpson, 22. Tom Curtis, 23. Ryan Mills.

Images & Content from Sale Sharks Rugby


Premiership

SHARKS TO SIGN FIJI SKIPPER NAYACALEVU

Published

on

Sale Sharks have agreed a deal to sign Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu from French Top14 side Toulon. 

The explosive centre, who starred for his country during the recent World Cup, has signed a one-year contract with an option for a further year. 

He will join up with Alex Sanderson’s Sharks squad ahead of the start of the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership season. 

Waisea, 33, said: “I’ve watched the Premiership for a long time and it’s always been in the back of my mind that I would love to play there one day and experience rugby in England. 

“Now that opportunity has arrived and I’m really, really happy and grateful. I’m so excited to get over there and join the boys and see how I can contribute to the team. 

“I have spoken to Telusa Veainu and he only has positive things to say about the club and about Manchester. 

“I’m looking forward to playing with some of the guys I’ve played against, like Tom Curry and George Ford. But I also know there are a lot of really talented young players in the Sale Sharks squad and I’m excited to share my experience and help them develop as much as I can.  

“I told Alex that it’s what I’ve been doing for the last few years of my career and it’s something I’m passionate about.” 

Nayacalevu, who stands at 6’4” and weighs in at 16st 7lb, spent ten years at Top14 side Stade Français before making the switch to Toulon in 2022.  

He has won 34 caps for Fiji, slotting in at both centre and on the wing, and captained his country at last year’s World Cup, where the Pacific Islanders made the quarter-finals, losing 30-24 to England in Marseille. 

He also famously scored for Fiji in their memorable pre-World Cup win against England at Twickenham. 

Images & Content from Sale Sharks Rugby


Continue Reading

Premiership

Falcons star to join Saracens

Published

on

Phil Brantingham to join Saracens

Tuesday 05 March 2024 Written by: Tom Grisedale

Prop-forward Phil Brantingham will leave Newcastle Falcons in the summer to join Saracens.

The 22-year-old has played 25 games for his home town club, and leaves with the thanks and best wishes of everyone at the Falcons.

Chairman of rugby Matt Thompson said: “Phil has done well for us and we made him a good offer to stay here.

“We respect his decision and wish him all the best for his move in the summer, but between now and then he will be fully committed to finishing the season strongly for Newcastle Falcons.”

Source – Newcastle Falcons Rugby


Continue Reading

Premiership

WIESE SET TO RETURN TO SA

Published

on

Sale Sharks can confirm that forward Cobus Wiese will leave the club at the end of the season to return to South Africa. 

The 26-year-old lock has played almost 80 games for the club and scored five tries since joining from the DHL Stormers ahead of the 2020/21 season. 

He played a key role last year as Sale reached the Premiership final, and this season he has featured a further 13 times for Alex Sanderson’s side. 

Alex said: “Cobus will be missed by all of us on so many levels. He’s the most polite and courteous of people off the field, but the most wildly excitable man on the field, and on a night out. 

“To say Cobus wears his heart on his sleeve is to do him a disservice with regards to his emotional commitment for which his body has paid the price on occasion.  

“He leads by example and has earnt the respect and adoration of the group both on a professional and a personal level. We wish him every success and happiness with his move back home.” 

Everyone at Sale Sharks would like to thank Cobus for his contribution to the club and the team during his time here and we wish him all the very best for the future.  

Images & Content from Sale Sharks Rugby


Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending