Can the defeated semi-finalists heal their wounds and make it to the final again like in 2023?
Sale have been on the rise in recent years, but the title has eluded them. Can they become the sixth winner in as many years? Here’s our Sale Sharks Gallagher Premiership preview…
Discussion Points
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Alex Sanderson’s extension is Sale’s biggest signing for 2024. DoR has led the Sharks to the playoffs in three of his last four seasons since 2021.
Manu Tuilagi (Bayonne) and Sam James (Racing 92 with Owen Farrell) are out of midfield but in come the respected Fijian captain Waisea Nayacalevu and the return of Will Addison, while 6ft 8in Le Roux Roets joins after Sale’s attempt to sign him was thwarted by bureaucracy two years ago. “He likes to hit hard,” says Sanderson.
George Ford, relieved of tour duty this summer, will be in charge of a back line that includes the very consistent Rob Duprees (who has started 55 consecutive league games) and the new trio of Tom Roebuck, Aaron Reed and Gus Waugh.
Sale’s physicality is renowned, but they need to be more clinical. Last season’s 30% red zone efficiency was the worst behind Newcastle and Leicester. The club will host a double header on September 7 to kick off a programme of events to mark the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the ‘Sharks’ nickname.
Key Players
Tom Curry returns to the side after a season in which he played just 34 minutes domestically following hip surgery. Along with his twin brother Ben, he is expected to be a key presence in the England back-row, chasing down opponents and commanding attention.
One thing to note
Fullback Joe Carpenter did not play in the summer, travelling to Japan and New Zealand with England (Getty Images)
Joe Carpenter is knocking on England’s door as a full-back, but will 20-year-old tighthead Asher Opoku-Porzur outpace him and win a Test cap? The player earned rave reviews for his scrum work last season and helped England win the Junior World Cup with another superb set-piece effort.
Coach Box
Head coach Paul Deacon, a former GB League international, has been with the club for nearly a decade. Key players include Dorian West (forward), Byron McGuigan (back) and Jamie Langley (defense).
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prediction
A stable squad – definitely looking like a top 4 team.
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