Sale Sharks Team News

News just in from Edgeley Park:

Sale Sharks Team News

Sale Sharks have named their team for the Boxing Day Guinness
Premiership clash against London Wasps at Edgeley Park (KO 3pm). The
game is a complete sell out, giving Sale Sharks their second capacity
crowd this season.

Mark Cueto, Chris Bell, Andy Tuilagi, Luke McAlister, David Doherty,
Charlie Hodgson, Richard Wigglesworth, Lionel Faure, Neil Briggs,
Eifion Roberts, Sebastien Chabal, Dean Schofield, Jason White, Luke
Abraham, JM Fernandez Lobbe (Captain)

Replacements Marc Jones, Andrew Sheridan, Brent Cockbain, Carl Fearns,
Dwayne Peel, Mathew Tait, Nick Macleod

Standby Players Rudi Keil, Stuart Turner, Chris Jones

Director of Rugby Philippe Saint Andre said, " After last weeks defeat
at Bath, the players have all reacted positively and want to put that
game behind them. Wasps come to Edgeley Park having found their true
form and we expect a tough game against them. They have good players
throughout their team and are well coached. We need the win to keep in
touch with the Premiership leading clubs. Edgeley Park will be packed
with our supporters and we want to give them a winning end to 2008."

Jason White & Dwayne Peel To Start For Sale Sharks

News just in from Edgeley Park.

Jason White & Dwayne Peel To Start For Sale Sharks

Sale Sharks have named their team for tomorrow afternoon's Guinness
Premiership game at Bath. Back in the starting line up are Jason White
and Dwayne Peel. Neil Briggs moves back to hooker after playing the
last four games as a flanker.

Mark Cueto, Chris Bell, Andy Tuilagi, Luke McAlister, David Doherty,
Charlie Hodgson, Dwayne Peel, Andrew Sheridan, Neil Briggs, Stuart
Turner, Sebastien Chabal, Dean Schofield, Jason White, Luke Abraham,
JM Fernandez Lobbe
Replacements Marc Jones, Lionel Faure, Brent Cockbain, Carl Fearns,
Richard Wigglesworth, Rudi Keil, Mathew Tait

Director of Rugby Philippe Saint Andre said, " This will be a very
tough game for us. Bath are a good side, well organised and well
coached. They like to attack so we will need to be focussed from the
kick off. We had a good run beating Wasps, Leicester and Montauban in
successive matches before losing to Montauban last week. The players
are determined to put that defeat behind them."

Andrew Sheridan And Mathew Tait Start For Sale Sharks In Montauban

NEWS just in from Edgeley:

Andrew Sheridan And Mathew Tait Start For Sale Sharks In Montauban

Sale Sharks have named their team for tomorrow evening's Heineken Cup
Group A game, away to Montauban.
Andrew Sheridan returns to the starting line up for his first start
since the defeat at London Irish in October. Mathew Tait also starts
at full back, in place of the injured Rory Lamont and Luke Abraham
returns after injury.

Mathew Tait, Mark Cueto, Andy Tuilagi, Luke McAlister, David Doherty,
Charlie Hodgson, Richard Wigglesworth, Andrew Sheridan, Marc Jones,
Eifion Roberts, Sebastien Chabal, Dean Schofield, Luke Abraham, Neil
Briggs, JM Fernandez Lobbe (Captain)

Replacements Stuart Turner, Lionel Faure, Brent Cockbain, David Tait,
Dwayne Peel, Chris Bell, Nick McLeod

Director of Rugby Philippe Saint Andre said, "We are under no illusion
that tomorrow evening's game will be much tougher than last weeks win
over Montauban. They may have lost their opening three games but there
is a lot of pride at stake for them and we are expecting a very tough
80 minutes. Group A is wide open but if we want to get out of it and
qualify for the quarter finals we have to aim to win all our remaining
games, starting tomorrow. It's no good trying to rely on going through
as a 'best second placed club', Group A is by far the toughest group,
no team has a 100% record and we need to do our best to qualify."

News from Edgeley: Sharks Team To Play Montauban

Sharks Team To Play Montauban

Sale Sharks have named their side for tomorrow evening's Heineken Cup
game against Montauban (Friday KO 7-45pm).
Andrew Sheridan has returned from International Duty and is named
among the replacements. The only changes in the starting 22 this week
are Mathew Tait who has been undergoing treatment on a dead leg and is
on the bench, his place is taken by Andy Tuilagi and Dwayne Peel
starts at scrum half with Richard Wigglesworth named on the bench.

Team Rory Lamont, Mark Cueto, Andy Tuilagi, Luke McAlister, David
Doherty, Charlie Hodgson, Dwayne Peel, Lionel Faure, Marc Jones,
Eifion Roberts, Sebastien Chabal, Dean Schofield, Jason White, Neil
Briggs, JM Fernandez Lobbe

Replacements Andrew Sheridan, Stuart Turner, Brent Cockbain, Carl
Fearns, Richard Wigglesworth, Chris Bell, Mathew Tait

Director of Rugby Philippe Saint Andre said, "We have had two good
results, back to back, with wins over Wasps and Leicester and we are
now keen to do well against Montauban tomorrow evening and next week
in the return game. Although we lost to Munster we picked up a
valuable win and bonus point with our win in Clermont and we are
looking to qualify for the Quarter Final Stages. It will be tough
though as Montauban ran both Munster and Clermont very close and we
are expecting a very physical game tomorrow."

News from Edgeley Park: Philippe Saint Andre To Leave Sale Sharks

News in from Edgeley Park:

Philippe Saint Andre To Leave Sale Sharks

Philippe Saint Andre

The Board of Sale Sharks is sad to announce that Philippe Saint Andre
will step down from his position as Director of Rugby at the end of
the 2008/2009 season. Philippe joined Sale sharks in May 2004 and at
the end of this season Philippe will have been in charge for five
seasons, having spent a total of 8 years in rugby management in the
Guinness Premiership, making him one of the league's longest serving
Directors of Rugby. Philippe has decided that it is time to take on
different challenges and move on to pastures new and that this season
will be his last at Sale Sharks.

Kingsley Jones, the current Head Coach will continue working with
Philippe and will promoted to Director of Rugby at the end of the
season, assuming overall responsibility for all rugby operations at
the Club. Kingsley joined the club in 2004 and has been a key member
of management team over the last few seasons.

Commenting on his decision Philippe Saint Andre said,

"I feel very honoured to have been Director of Rugby at such a fantastic club.

The last five years have been very exciting and I am proud of the
achievements of the team over this period. Coming top of the Guinness
Premiership and then going on to win the Guinness Premiership Final
against Leicester in 2005/2006 was the highlight for me, but I am
proud of all the teams I have managed over this period and have been
privileged to have worked with great players and outstanding coaches
and staff. I would especially like to thank the fans and supporters of
Sale Sharks who have shown great kindness and loyalty to me and my
family during my time at the Club, and hope that I can repay this
support with another trophy at the end of this season.

I would also like to thank Brian Kennedy for bringing me to Sale
Sharks from Bourgoin in 2004. Brian and Ian Blackhurst have been very
supportive to me throughout my time at the Club and I would like to
thank them for giving me the opportunity to manage Sale Sharks. I have
enjoyed working with them both very much and also with the other
members of the Sale Sharks Board.

I am totally committed to achieving further success and believe that
with the current squad of players and coaching staff, we can win a
major trophy this season.

I am delighted that Kingsley will be taking over rugby operations
after I leave. I brought Kingsley to the Club in 2004 and like me he
is passionate about the Club and is determined to achieve success at
Sale Sharks. I am certain that the future of the Club is in safe
hands."

Commenting on Philippe's departure Kingsley Jones said,

"I have been extremely fortunate to have been able to work with
Philippe over the past five seasons. Philippe is an inspirational
coach and I have learned a huge amount from him over this time. For
the remainder of this season I will be working with Philippe to try to
make this his last season his most successful at the Club.

I have a clear plan on how I will take the Club forward when I become
Director of Rugby, building on the success of the last five years and
also developing further the Sale Sharks Academy to bring through
players on which our future success will depend."

Commenting on Philippe's departure, Brian Kennedy owner of Sale Sharks said,

"I would like to publicly thank Philippe and his wife Patricia for
their dedication in moving to Cheshire and the amount of time and
commitment they have, as a family, given this challenging task. I am
pleased that Philippe will remain with the Club until the end of the
season and know that he is even more motivated to finish his tenure
with another title. I am delighted that Kingsley will be succeeding
Philippe as Director of Rugby and believe that this is a great
testament to the management structure that we have developed at the
Club, allowing for continuity and an orderly succession."
Commenting on Philippe's departure, James Jennings Chief Executive said,

"Philippe has been at the heart of the Club for the last five years
and has helped make Sale Sharks one of the leading clubs in the
Guinness Premiership. His legacy provides the foundation for the
Club's future success and hopefully Edgeley Park will always remain a
little bit of France. We will all be working hard to make Philippe's
last season a successful one. I congratulate Kingsley on his
appointment and look forward to working with him in the coming years.
"

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Sale Sharks
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Munster currently top Pool 1 of the Heineken Cup, three points ahead
of the Sale Sharks and four in front of Sunday's Top 14 opponents
Clermont. ...
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Carl Fearns, Sale Sharks, 19, No8 The former Sedbergh schoolboy (Will
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History will be kind to me because... - http://ojpickup.blogspot.com/
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10, Sale Sharks, 22, 7, 0, 15, 381, 633, -252, 14. 11, Newcastle
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Turnovers proved costly - Heyneke
Leicester Tigers - Leicester,UK
... pointed to costly turnovers as Leicester Tigers were denied an
opportunity to move up the Guinness Premiership table at Sale Sharks
on Friday night. ...
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Premiership results Rd8 and fixtures Rd9
By ebbs
Here are all the results from the weekend: Sale Sharks 27-13 Leicester
Tigers Newcastle Falcons 17-23 London Wasps Gloucester 33-10
Northampton Saints Bristol 13-18 London Irish Harlequins 21-14 Bath
Saracens 23-6Worcester Warriors ...
Rugby15 - http://www.rugby15.co.uk/
Mauger frustrated by defeat at Sale
Aaron Mauger described Leicester Tigers as "our own worst enemy"
following Friday night's Guinness Premiership defeat at Sale Sharks.
Leicester Tigers News - http://www.tigers.co.uk/
ITV Guinness.Premiership.Rugby.Rnd08.Highlights.11-30.XviD
By http://diwana.org/userdetails.php?id=1296
Guinness Premiership Rugby Highlights Craig Doyle presents eighth
round highlights Highlights of the weekend's fixtures, which included
Harlequins v Bath, Newcastle Falcons v London Wasps and Sale Sharks v
Leicester Tigers.
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Sharks topple Tigers
Keo.co.za - Cape Town,Western Cape,South Africa
Heyneke Meyer's Leicester Tigers spurned an opportunity to go top of
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the Tigers are ...
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Rugby confusion
By Michael Taylor(Michael Taylor)
And so it was last night when Sale Sharks beat Leicester Tigers.
Another thing that baffles me. The Miami Dolphins are called that,
because they are based near the ocean. The Dallas Cowboys reflect the
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Sale Sharks 27 vs Leicester Tigers 13
By Liezl Hesketh(Liezl Hesketh)
Sale Sharks 27 vs Leicester Tigers 13 Sale Sharks 27 vs Leicester
Tigers 13 Sale Sharks 27 vs Leicester Tigers 13 Sale Sharks 27 vs
Leicester Tigers 13 One of the biggest games of the season and our
boyz rose to the occasion. ...
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Official Site of Sale Sharks Sale Sharks Community - Cash Back Scheme
sale sharks rugby club rufc official website. ... So far this year
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Team News for Bath v Sale in the EDF cup

This in from Edgeley Park HQ:

Philippe Saint Andre has selected his side for tomorrow evening’s EDF Energy Cup game against Bath at Edgeley Park.

Nick MacLeod, Mark Cueto, Chris Bell, Andy Tuilagi, Nick Royle, Charlie Hodgson, Chris Leck, Rob O’Donnell, Marc Jones, Martin Halsall, Dean Schofield, Brent Cockbain, Jason White, David Tait, Carl Fearns


Replacements: Dave Ward, Stuart Turner, James Gaskell, Michael Hills, Will Cliff, Rudi Keil, Rory Lamont


Commenting on his selection Philippe said, “ I have selected the team, blending youth with experience. The team that played against Cardiff three weeks ago was unlucky to lose and several of those players who played in that game are included again tomorrow. After losing the last two home games we need get into the winning habit at Edgeley Park.”


And the Bath team is:
Jack Cuthbert, Rhys Crane, Tom Cheeseman, Shontayne Hape, Michael Stephenson, Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, Scott Bemand, David Barnes, Rob Hawkins, Duncan Bell, Justin Harrison, Stuart Hooper, Josh Ovens, Michael Lipman (c) and Daniel Browne

Replacements: Lee Mears, Paulica Ion, Nathan Catt, Scott Hobson, James Scaysbrook, Mike Baxter, Robbie Kydd

Heineken Roundup

Two games in, and what a reversal of fortunes.
In Sale's group of death round 1 matches Munster struggled against Montauban, and barely scraped a win, whilst the Sharks were away to Claremont in France an romped home with a four try win.

The following week Munster visited Edgeley Park, and despite a sterling effort from the boys in blue, the result was Sale 16-24 Munster.

Heineken Cup - let the games commence

It all starts tonight.

Sale will be in action tomorrow, against a strong Clermont Auvergne side, away in France. Sale Sharks will field a slightly depleted team, with Richard Wigglesworth playing at fly-half. He has put in some pretty decent performances there in the past - notably replacing Daniel Larrechea in the season of doom.

Full Team from EP:
Rory Lamont, Mark Cueto, Luke McAlister, Lee Thomas, David Doherty, Richard Wigglesworth, Dwayne Peel, Lionel Faure, Neil Briggs, Eifion Roberts, Chris Jones, Kristian Ormsby, JM Fernandez Lobbe (Captain), Luke Abrahams, Sebastien Chabal

Replacements: Marc Jones, Stuart Turner, Jason White, Dean Schofield, Charlie Hodgson, Chris Bell, Rudi Keil

Director of Rugby Philippe Saint Andre said, “ Games don’t come any tougher than this. Clermont topped the table last year and have started well this season. They will attack from the start and we need to be ready for them. Its been a difficult week preparing for the game with Matthew Tait pulling out with a sore hamstring but both he and Andrew Sheridan should be fit to return for the Munster game.”

Also the Sale Sharks Supporters Club website is chock-a-block full of great information for Sale and Munster fans - check it out at www.salesupporters.co.uk

Sale Sharks v Munster in the Heineken Cup - travelling red army should read this!

Munster fans, you are a many and splendrous thing. We know that here in the north of England, so we have rolled out the red carpet for you. The Sale Sharks Supporters club have arranged dinners and coaches, and detailed hotels and B&Bs and pubs and all sorts. While away an afternoon at work browsing our handiwork. Then come on over.

Clickety click here here and here for event info, hotel info and B&B info respectively.

Sale v Munster at Edgeley Park on the 19th October 2008 is a weekend of fun, not just 80 minutes.

Team news for Sale v Bristol

News just in from Edgeley Park, including the return of Lee Thomas, and Mark Cueto:


" Mark Cueto and Kristian Ormsby both start for Sale Sharks in their Guinness Premiership game at Bristol tomorrow evening. Cueto takes the place of David Doherty on the wing and Ormsby plays at Flanker. Dwayne Peel starts at Scrum Half.
Jason White is scheduled for the replacements bench should he pass a fitness test for his first time in the matchday 22 this season.
Sebastien Chabal will again captain the side in the absence of Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe.

Team Mathew Tait, Mark Cueto, Luke McAlister, Lee Thomas, Rory Lamont, Charlie Hodgson, Dwayne Peel, Andrew Sheridan, Sebastien Bruno, Eifion Roberts, Chris Jones, Dean Schofield, Kristian Ormsby, Luke Abraham, Sebastien Chabal

Replacements: Neil Briggs, Stuart Turner, Sean Cox, Jason White, Richard Wigglesworth, Chris Bell, Oriol Ripol

On Standby: Brent Cockbain, David Doherty

Director of Rugby Philippe Saint Andre said, “This is another tough game for us. Bristol have had two tough opening games against Bath and Harlequins and will be keen to get their season up and running tomorrow.
Last week we won the game against a very disciplined Saracens team and I am looking for the same type of performance tomorrow. We have defended well so far this season and it is important we continue to be mean at the back.”

Result - Sale 18-15 Saracens

Sale Sharks won the second game of the season on Friday night at a rainy Edgeley Park against vistors Saracens. The first half was a messy affair, with an awful lot of kicking and fighting and not much to cheer about. Sale nevertheless came off the pitch for half time 12-9 up. In the second half they came out looking far more dangerous, with their famously classy back line of international players finally beginning to show some of the promised threat. In the end there were no tries forthcoming - the weather and excellent Saracens defending saw to that. But the Edgeley Park crowd did at lease see some good running rugby. This kicking duties were shared by Charlie Hodgson and Luke McAlister, but it was local hero Hodgson who won Man of the Match with a stunning last minute drop goal, which pretty much made up for the previous 80 try-less minutes. Sale now sit third in the Guinness Premiership table and visit winless Bristol on Friday night. Result - Sale 18-15 Saracens.

AAaaah! Team changes!

News just in from Edgeley HQ:

"At the team run held at Edgeley Park this evening, both Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe and Lee Thomas failed fitness tests and miss the game. Sean Cox and Chris Bell step up from the bench and their places are taken by Kristian Ormsby and Oriol Ripol"

What does this mean? Well, I guess Cox or Jones will play 6, with the other slotting in at lock. Chris Bell will get some much needed and deserved game time, but missing Thomas does seem a harsh blow.

Lets all hope that the eager bunny that is JMFL gets well soon.

... and the Saracens?

Well they will be bringing the following men in black:

Team: Haughton, Penney, Sorrell, Powell, Ratuvou, Jackson, de Kock, Owen, Saull, Jack, Vyvyan, Borthwick, Johnston, Ongaro, Aguero

Bench:
Cairns, Visagie, Chesney, Skirving, Rauluni, Ross, Wyles

Lovely.

Sale Sharks v Saracens - team news

The first home team news of the season has just been released, in advance of Friday night's match at Edgeley Park against Saracens. Tickets are, this blog believes, still available. Buy one. See us there. We will be the ones in the Sharks jerseys, shouting "Saaaayulll".

Without further ado - here is the team news for the sharks, direct from Sharks HQ, Edgeley Park:

Rory Lamont, Sebastien Bruno and Andrew Sheridan all return the starting fifteen after missing out on last weeks win at Newcastle Falcons. Rory Lamont lines up on the right wing in place of Mark Cueto. Sebastien Bruno is named as hooker in place of Neil Briggs and Andrew Sheridan takes the place of Lionel Faure. Cueto, Briggs and Faure are named among the replacements. Director of Rugby Philippe Saint Andre has also rotated the squad in that Richard Wigglesworth starts at scrum half, and Brent Cockbain starts at Lock, with Dwayne Peel and Dean Schofield on the bench.

Team: Mathew Tait, Rory Lamont, Luke McAlister, Lee Thomas, David Doherty, Charlie Hodgson, Richard Wigglesworth, Andrew Sheridan, Sebastien Bruno, Eifion Roberts, Chris Jones, Brent Cockbain, Luke Abraham, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Sebastien Chabal

Replacements: Neil Briggs, Lionel Faure, Dean Schofield, Sean Cox, Dwayne Peel, Mark Cueto, Chris Bell


Philippe said, “We started well with a victory at Newcastle but tomorrow evening’s game against Saracens will be very tough. I have a lot of respect for Eddie Jones who not only coached Australia but did a great job with South Africa in last years World Cup. We want to return to winning ways at Edgeley Park after the London Irish defeat in May. We have a very talented squad here at the club and yet again I have had to leave players out of the Matchday 22. All my players know they need to be at the top of their game to keep their place in the team.”

Victory for Sale Sharks, against Newcastle Falcons

Sale finally notched up a win away at Newcastle on Sunday. The Sharks had waited 16 matches for this victory. In the end the difference between the two teams was a Charlie Hodgson try. The rest if Sales points came from penalties kicked by Hodgson and colleague Luke McAllister. Sale 14-9 Newcastle.

First team news of the season

Philippe Saint Andre has named his team for Sunday’s Guinness Premiership game away to Newcastle Falcons. Andrew Sheridan (Hamstring) and Rory Lamont (Arm) will both have fitness tests tomorrow (Saturday), but Sebastien Bruno (knee) definitely misses out. If Sheridan and Lamont prove their fitness they will be named among the replacements.

Team Mathew Tait, Mark Cueto, Luke McAlister, Lee Thomas, David Doherty, Charlie Hodgson, Dwayne Peel, Lionel Faure, Neil Briggs, Eifion Roberts, Chris Jones, Dean Schofield, Luke Abraham, JM Fernandez Lobbe (Captain, Sebastien Chabal

Replacements: Marc Jones, Andrew Sheridan, Brent Cockbain, Sean Cox, Richard Wigglesworth, Chris Bell, Rory Lamont

Also Travelling: Martin Halsall, Kristian Ormsby & Oriol Ripol

Philippe said, “This will be a tough game for us. Kingston Park has never been a happy hunting ground for us, but we hope to end our poor record there on Sunday. We have had a good pre season and we have had to upset a few players this weekend by not picking them. The 22 involved on Sunday know that we have a good squad this year and competition for places will be intense, so they need to perform well to hold onto their jersey.”

---

The Falcons meanwhile will be playing thus:
Alex Tait, Tom May, Jamie Noon, Spencer Davey, John Rudd, Rory Clegg, James Grindal, Joe McDonnell, Andy Long, Carl Hayman, Andy Buist, Mark Sorenson, Adam Balding, Brent Wilson, Phil Dowson (captain)

Replacements:
Matt Thompson, Micky Ward, Geoff Parling, Tim Swinson, Hall Charlton, Steve Jones
Tim Visser

Find it hard to get to Edgeley Park?

The Sale Sharks Supporters Club in conjunction with Sale Sharks are planning on running Coaches from a number of areas into Edgeley Park. If successful we will expand the service to cover a number of different routes.

The first of these will start from the Stoke area calling at Congleton and then at Macclesfield, before arriving at Edgeley Park. The aim would be to arrive about 45 minutes before Kick Off and leave about 45 minutes after the end of the game.

If you are interested in such a service please e-mail us at hometravel@salesupporters.co.uk ., stating where you would like to join the bus, whether you would be likely to use it regularly and suggestions for suitable pick up points (adjacent to convenient parking).

In order to help us plan other routes please e-mail us at hometravel@salesupporters.co.uk . With suggestions for suitable towns or areas that you would use e.g Wigan, _ _Wirral, Rochdale etc.

To buy seats click here and visit the SSSC website.

Result

SHARKS RESULT: Friendly - Sale 39-14 Lyon (28/8/08)
The preseason came to a close on thursday night at Edgeley park with a victory over Lyon. Tempers flared at times, but the Sharks looked in control. Sharks scorers were Tait (2 tries), Doherty (try), Lobbe (try) with the rest coming from a penalty try and Hodgson's boot.

Here's a picture, blurry or artistic - you decide.

News in from EP: Lyon v Sale thursday night

The Sale team has been announced. New club captain Juan Fernandez Lobbe will lead his side out for the first time since being appointed. The game shoud be a cracker, with Lyon coached by Phillipe Saint Andre's brother Raphael.

"Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe will captain a strong Sale Sharks side in tomorrow’s pre season warm up game against Lyon at Edgeley Park. Sebastien Chabal will also start the game.
Head Coach Kingsley Jones said, “ This our last warm up game before we travel to Newcastle in the opening round of the Guinness Premiership. We will decide on who starts at scrum half tomorrow but both Wiggy and Dwayne will play in the game. There are places up for grabs for the opening game and the players know this.”
Mathew Tait will play at Full Back and Andy Tuilagi who played well last week in the games against Sedgely Tigers and Leeds Carnegie starts at centre.

Team Mathew Tait, Mark Cueto, Luke McAlister, Andy Tuilagi, Dave Doherty, Charlie Hodgson, Richard Wigglesworth or Dwayne Peel, Lionel Faure, Sebastien Bruno, Eifion Roberts, Dean Schofield, Sean Cox, Chris Jones, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (Captain), Sebastien Chabal

Replacements Marc Jones, Neil Briggs, Stuart Turner, Martin Halsall, Michael Hills, Carl Fearns,Brent Cockbain, Richard Wigglesworth or Dwayne Peel, Nick Macleod, Nick Royle, Oriol Ripol, Chris Bell


Unavailable are Rory Lamont, Luke Abraham and Andrew Sheridan who picked up knocks last week, but will be available for selection for the Newcastle game"

(news comes from Dave Swanton at Sale Sharks)

Preseason Double Header

Both the Jets and the Sharks came away victorious in the Friday night double header.

The Jets overcome Sedgley Tigers 44-24 and the Senior Squad beat Leeds Carnegie 38-29. Sharks'

Andy Tuilagi scored a try in both games.

Full Sale scorers:
Jets v Sedgeley: Ripol (2 tries), Atkinson (try), Shaw (try), Styles (try), O'Donnell (try), Tuilagi (try) Atkinson (3 conversions, 1 penalty)

Sharks v Leeds: Bruno (try), Tait (try), C.Jones (2 tries), Tuilagi (try), Hodgson(5 conversions, 1 penalty)

Sharks news roundup

Sale Sharks are delighted to announce the signing of 22 year old
Centre/Wing Anitelia (Andy) Tuilagi, on a four year contract.
Formerly with Leicester Tigers, Andy played seven games for Leeds
Carnegie last season, scoring one try.
Andy has been capped 14 times by Samoa and was a member of their squad
at the 2007 World Cup.
CEO James Jennings said, "Andy is very talented young player with huge
potential. I am sure that he will be a great success at Sale Sharks."

Director of Rugby PSA said, " Andy is a great acquisition for the
club. He is young, strong and has played at international level. I am
sure he will prove to be a great signing for us."
---------
Juan To Captain The Sharks
Sale Sharks - Stockport,UK
Sale Sharks are delighted to announce that JUAN MARTIN FERNANDEZ LOBBE
will be the new club captain for the 2008-2009 season.
---------
Tait wants to specialise
Following his summer switch from Newcastle Falcons to Sale Sharks,
England star Mathew Tait has stated his intention of securing the
full-back jersey.
---------
Dwayne Peel and Mathew Tait To Play On Friday
Team Rory Lamont, Mark Cueto, Mathew Tait, Luke McAlister, David
Doherty, Charlie Hodgson, Dwayne Peel, Andrew Sheridan, Sebastien
Bruno, Eifion Roberts, Sean Cox, Dean Schofield (Captain), Chris
Jones, Luke Abraham, Carl Fearns

Replacements: Lionel Faure, Marc Jones, Michael Hills, Richard
Wigglesworth, Nick McLeod, Nick Royle plus Four Players who are
playing in the curtain raiser against Sedgley Tigers.

Director of Rugby Philippe Saint Andre said, "I have named a strong
line up for this game and am delighted that Dwayne Peel and Mathew
Tait will get some quality game time. Jason White is still recovering
from surgery as is Chris Bell and Sebastien Chabal picked up a knock
in training."

Commenting on the curtain raiser against Sedgley Tigers, Philippe
said, " We have several players in our team for this game with a
wealth of first team experience……….Neil Briggs, Stuart Turner, Oriol
Ripol, Brent Cockbain, Scott Lawson and Will Cliff. I will also be
giving Andy Tuilagi a run out at centre. I have not made my mind up on
the starting line up for the first Guinness Premiership game at
Newcastle and Friday's double header will give all the players a
chance to impress. It will also be nice to play a game in front of our
own fans again."

New signing

Google News Alert for: "sale sharks"

Andy Tuilagi Signs For Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks - Stockport,UK
Sale Sharks are delighted to announce the signing of 22 year old
Centre/Wing Anitelia (Andy) Tuilagi, on a four year contract. ...

Sale v Perpignan as it happened

Our erstwhile leader Anne received a series of text updates from last night's match - here then are the highlights:

"The players are on the pitch. I'm told the crowd are very excited but that's probably because the don't know Seabass isn't playing!
We are 5 nil down after 2 minutes - crossfield kick missed by Royle.

Now 5 all - close quarters try by Roberts.

Try USAP now 12-5 down

17-5 down

Half time - 19-5. Looks like Schoey may have picked up a knee injury.

Looking bleak!

Good news is Schoey seems to be walking ok after the knock on his knee.

No sooner is half time over but USAP go straight through the scrum - 24-5

Try Lamont 24 - 12

Try Doherty 24 - 17

Try Lamont 24 all

Chris Leck - yellow card

Oh dear and now it seems Lamont has hurt his wrist.

Full time 24 - 24

Not a bad result given how far behind we were.

Thanks to Graeme Bowers for the updates.

Post match update:
Feedback on injuries suggests nothing serious. PSA and KJ pleased. MOM Lamont at full back and Luke."

Thanks to Anne and Graeme!

Squad to play Perpignan

This just in from HQ:

"Rory Lamont makes his long awaited comeback this evening for Sale Sharks in the game against Perpignan in the Challenge Vaquerin. Rory was injured playing for Scotland in the Calcutta Cup game against England when he collided with Iain Balshaw.

Director of Rugby Philippe Saint Andre said, “Rory has worked with Steve Walsh and the Conditioning Team on his rehab. He also had a minor knee operation to clean up the joint and he is really looking forward to the new season.”

Regarding the team this evening, Philippe said, “I have only selected from those players who have done the full close season preparation with us and it’s a great opportunity for them to impress and stake a claim for a place in the team.”

Included in the team are new signings David Doherty, Nick McLeod and Ross Davies

Team Lamont, Doherty, McAlister, Thomas, Royle, McLeod, Cliff, Roberts, M Jones, Halsall, Schofield (Captain), Cox, J Jones, Hills, Fearns

Replacements: Turner, O’Donnell, Davies, Briggs, Lawson, Cockbain, Shaw, Leck, Kennedy, Kuadey"

Welcome Munster Fans

The SSSC has put together a couple of pages of hotels and B&Bs, along with associated travel information, in order to help out Munster fans visiting for the Heineken Cup clash at Edgeley Park.

B&Bs here and Hotels here ... welcome one, welcome all.

http://www.rsstudio.co.uk

What happened at the AGM?

Well, if you surf your way over to the official Sale Sharks Supporters Club website, you can read the minutes. Enjoy.

News from Edgeley / Munster

Full fixtures are now available at the SSSC website here: http://www.salesupporters.co.uk/fixtures_08_09.htm

Also, with a vast army of Muster fans planning their descent into SK postcodes the SSSC announces the following:
Just to give you some advance warning of what the SSSC are planning for the Munster Supporters in case you want to put events in your diary!

With special thanks to our friends at Heaton Moor Rugby Club for allowing us to completely take over their club house for the whole weekend!

Friday 17th
Room 1. Dinner for approx 120 people, to include members of both supporters’ club committee and supporters from both clubs. 2 Course meal, soup, roast beef, followed by cheese and coffee. Cost £15 per head. Friday night game will be available on big screen.

Room 2. Open from 6 pm with game available on big screen. Bar will be open till midnight. Question & Answer session with non-playing players or coaching staff depending on who I can get! Friday night game shown on the big screen.

Saturday 18th

Beer Festival – both rooms in use, both rooms showing Saturday’s HC games. Room 1 will have range of beers/real ales at especially reduced prices. Room 2 will have food – hot pot, chilli and rice, curry – at £4.50 – food will be available all day.
Live Irish music and dancing in the evening.
Hopefully some special guests.

Sunday 19th

Irish breakfast will be served from 10 am. Bar will be open. Coaches from HMRC to EP depart 11.45 to allow plenty of time and a drink in the marquee if desired. Post match – return to HMRC approx 5.00 pm
Food – hot pot, chilli and rice, curry and rice again available for £4.50 throughout the evening.
Live music.
Again, hoping to persuade some of the players to make an appearance if I can!

Capacity will be limited so it might well be first come, first served but we'll let you know the details as soon as we can!

Hanley to Retire

Steve Hanley has been forced to retire from playing due to a back
injury sustained in the game against Bayonne last season. Steve
announced his retirement to the audience at his Testimonial Launch at
Edgeley Park.
Steve joined Sale Sharks in 1998 from Aspatria and made his debut
against Cardiff. In all Steve played 191 games for Sale Sharks scoring
104 tries including a record of 75 in the Premiership which still
stands today.
Steve also played for England in 1999 against Wales at Wembley and scored a try.
Steve said, "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Sale Sharks and have
some great memories playing for the club. Helping the club to its
first piece of silverware in 2002, by beating Pontypridd was very
special. I have however been struggling with a disc problem in my
back, since the Bayonne game and have received medical advice in that
I will not recover enough to be able to play Premiership rugby again.
Sale Sharks have been good to me and I have always given my best for
the team."
Former team mate Jason Robinson said, " It was a pleasure to play in
the same team as Steve, he is a great lad and as his statistics show,
one of the best finishers in the game."

We have been dormant/new fixtures out now

Hello - this blog has lain dormant for a while. For this I apologise. I hope it will not happen again.

So, in the future-looking spirit of optimism here is the fixture list for the 2008/2009 season, as far as it currently stands.

Key questions:
Which matches can you already not go to?
Do Lyon really have a rugby team?
Can you persuade your other half to go to Edgeley Park on Valentines day?
Is it good or bad to play Wasps and Leicester during international windows?
Will we win away at Newcastle for a change?



Preseason

06 Aug 08 19:00 Perpignan Challenge Vaquerin away book funbus
09 Aug 08 19:00 Montpellier Challenge Vaquerin away book funbus
22 Aug 08 18:30 Sedgley Tigers Friendly Double Header part 1 Edgeley Park
22 Aug 08 20:00 Leeds Friendly Double Header part 2 Edgeley Park
28 Aug 08 19:45 Lyon Pre Season Friendly Edgeley Park

September
07 Sep 08 15:00 Newcastle Falcons Guinness Premiership away book funbus
12 Sep 08 19:45 Saracens Guinness Premiership Edgeley Park
19 Sep 08 19:45 Bristol Guinness Premiership away book funbus
26 Sep 08 19:45 Gloucester Guinness Premiership Edgeley Park

October
01 Oct 08 19:45 London Irish Guinness Premiership away book funbus
03 Oct 08 19:45 Cardiff Blues EDF Energy Cup Edgeley Park
10 Oct 08 19:45 T.B.A Heineken Cup Edgeley Park
18 Oct 08 15:00 T.B.A Heineken Cup away
24 Oct 08 19:45 Bath EDF Energy Cup Edgeley Park

November
01 Nov 08 15:00 Leicester Tigers EDF Energy Cup away book funbus
14 Nov 08 19:45 Worcester Warriors Guinness Premiership Edgeley Park
23 Nov 08 15:00 London Wasps Guinness Premiership away book funbus
28 Nov 08 19:45 Leicester Tigers Guinness Premiership Edgeley Park

December
05 Dec 08 19:45 T.B.A Heineken Cup Edgeley Park
13 Dec 08 15:00 T.B.A HeinekenCup away
20 Dec 08 14:15 Bath Guinness Premiership away book funbus
26 Dec 08 15:00 London Wasps Guinness Premiership Edgeley Park

January
03 Jan 09 15:00 Worcester Warriors Guinness Premiership away book funbus
09 Jan 09 19:45 London Irish Guinness Premiership Edgeley Park
16 Jan 09 19:45 T.B.A Heineken Cup Edgeley Park
24 Jan 09 15:00 T.B.A Heineken Cup away

February
14 Feb 09 15:00 Gloucester Guinness Premiership away book funbus
20 Feb 09 19:45 Bristol Guinness Premiership Edgeley Park

March
01 Mar 09 15:00 Saracens Guinness Premiership away book funbus
06 Mar 09 19:45 Newcastle Falcons Guinness Premiership Edgeley Park
14 Mar 09 15:00 Northampton Saints Guinness Premiership away book funbus
22 Mar 09 15:00 Harlequins Guinness Premiership away book funbus
27 Mar 09 19:45 Bath Guinness Premiership Edgeley Park
28 Mar 09 13:30 T.B.A EDF Energy Cup Semi Finals

April
04 Apr 09 14:45 Leicester Tigers Guinness Premiership away book funbus
11 Apr 09 15:00 T.B.A Heineken Cup Quarter Finals Edgeley Park
17 Apr 09 19:45 Harlequins Guinness Premiership Edgeley Park
18 Apr 09 15:00 T.B.A EDF Energy Cup Final away
25 Apr 09 15:00 Northampton Saints Guinness Premiership Edgeley Park

May
02 May 09 15:00 T.B.A Heineken Cup Semi Finals
09 May 09 15:00 T.B.A Guinness Premiership Semi Finals
16 May 09 14:30 T.B.A Guinness Premiership Final away
23 May 09 14:30 T.B.A Heineken Cup Final away

Last minute team change

News just in From Edgeley Park - We have signed Dwayne Peel. But then we all knew that weeks ago didn't we? Chris Mayor has signed to Northampton for next season. But we knew that too. Lets hope Ben Foden is staying in Cheshire or there will be a lot of upset Sharks fans.

So also fresh from EP, this team news:

Sale Sharks have been forced into making changes this evening. Rory Lamont is struggling with a shoulder injury so Chris Mayor takes his place on the wing. Sean Cox drops to the bench and is replaced by Chris Jones at number 6. Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe has returned from Argentina and his paperwork has cleared which now means he is not classed as an overseas player.


Revised Team

Mark Cueto, Chris Mayor, Luke McAlister, Lee Thomas, Oriol Ripol, Charlie Hodgson, Richard Wigglesworth, Lionel Faure, Sebastien Bruno, Stuart Turner, Brent Cockbain, Dean Schofield (Captain), Chris Jones, Magnus Lund, Sebastien Chabal


Replacements, Neil Briggs, Martin Halsall, Sean Cox, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Will Cliff, Julien Laharrague, Chris Bell

Sharks team to play Leeds

Team news, fresh from Edgeley Park below. Its a very string looking team, with probably our best wingers, best half back pairing, best front row, best second row and best centres.

Mark Cueto, Rory Lamont, Luke McAlister, Lee Thomas, Oriol Ripol, Charlie Hodgson, Richard Wiggleworth, Lionel Faure, Sebastien Bruno, Stuart Turner, Brent Cockbain, Dean Schofield (Captain), Sean Cox, Magnus Lund, Sebastien Chabal

Replacements, Neil Briggs, Martin Halsall, Nathan Bonner Evans, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Will Cliff, Julien Laharrague, Chris Bell

-----
Leeds meanwhile have just annouced theirs:

Leigh Hinton, John Holtby, Jonny Hepworth, Lee Blackett, Tom Biggs, Alberto Di Bernardo, Joe Bedford (c), Mike MacDonald, Vili Ma'asi, Tommy McGee, Erik Lund , Pablo Bouza, Jon Dunbar, Calum Clark, Rhys Oakley

Replacements: Adam Hopcroft, James Parkes, Kearnan Myall, Adam Balding, James Brooks, Andy Tuilagi , Rob Vickerman

Well if we can't play in High Wycombe lets play at home

Following the cancellation of last weekend's game away to Wasps following a dramatic and unbelieveably quick freezing of the pitch, Edgeley Park allow us now to look forward to next weeken'd visit from Leeds:

Philippe looks ahead to Friday's game

Looking ahead to this weekend’s game, Philippe Saint Andre said, “We travelled back from Wasps on Sunday evening and we put all the players through their paces on Monday. This Friday’s Guinness Premiership game against Leeds Carnegie should be a very competitive game as we both need to win for different reasons. We need the points to keep up our top four challenge and Leeds need the points in the efforts to pull away from the foot of the table. The game at Headingley earlier in the season saw us under the hammer in the early part of the game but we weathered the storm to return home 34-20 winners.

We have all the international players back this weekend including Sheridan,Faure,White,Wigglesworth, Lamont as well as the Lobbe brothers who have been in Argentina at Juan's wedding."

Speaking about the postponed game at Wasps Philippe said, “Last weekend was a big disappointment for everyone connected to the club with the late cancellation. We had prepared well, travelled down the day before and the players were ready for the challenge. A lot of fans had travelled too and it was sad to see them after the game was called off as they are so dedicated to the club, but we have to respect the referees decision. The postponement now means that we will have to play the game midweek.

The news from Edgeley Park

Sale Sharks have named their team for Sunday’s Guinness Premiership game against London Wasps at High Wycombe.
Sharks welcome back Elvis Seveali’I who has been out for 11 matches after breaking his arm against Montpellier in November.

Mark Cueto, Elvis Seveali’I, Luke McAlister, Lee Thomas, Oriol Ripol, Charlie Hodgson, Sililo Martens, Eifion Roberts, Sebastien Bruno, Stuart Turner, Dean Schofield (Captain), Brent Cockbain, Chris Jones, Magnus Lund, Sebastien Chabal,

Replacements: Neil Briggs, Ben Evans, Sean Cox, Nathan Bonner Evans, Will Cliff, Chris Bell and Julien Laharrague

Martin Halsall and Chris Leck will also travel

Head Coach Kingsley Jones said, “Several of our players have been overlooked for the Six Nations this weekend and it’s up to them to show their International Coaches that they should be included. We let the players have some time off after the win over Quins and they all returned to training this week looking refreshed. This game will be tough for us as even though Wasps have several players away on International duty they have strength in depth.”

----

Wasps retort:
15 Josh Lewsey
14 Rob Hoadley
13 Fraser Waters
12 Dominic Waldouck
11 David Doherty
10 Dave Walder
9 Mark McMillan

1 Tom French
2 Joe Ward
3 Nick Adams
4 Tom Palmer
5 George Skivington
6 Dan Leo
7 Joe Worsley
8 Lawrence Dallaglio (c)

16 James Buckland
17 Michael Holford
18 Richard Birkett
19 John Hart
20 Simon Amor
21 Mark Van Gisbergen
22 Rob Webber

Team to play Harlequins

The team has been announced, and it looks like the Charlie rumours were unfounded. With home advantage and a strong team, Sharks should win this one....

Mark Cueto, Rory Lamont, Luke McAlister, Lee Thomas, Oriol Ripol, Charlie Hodgson, Richard Wigglesworth, Andrew Sheridan, Sebastien Bruno, Stuart Turner, Chris Jones, Dean Schofield, Jason White, Magnus Lund, Sebastien Chabal

Replacements Neil Briggs, Eifion Roberts, Sean Cox, Nathan Bonner Evans, Sililo Martens, Chris Bell, Chris Mayor

News roundup

Well, for some reason the club still have not annouced the signing of Dwayne Peel. Perhaps his medical is not going well? Perhaps our home-grown scrum halves are too good to be ousted?

The club have lost Nick Johnson, fitness coach, following a contract dispute.

There are very timid rumours that Charlie Hodgson might be injured.... maybe that is why, with just hours until the next KO we have not had a team annoncement. That should be published within half an hour, so check back.

In other news: Stockport Express wins the award for best punning headline of the week:

Sale can’t Brive easy in Cup yet
Stockport Express - UK
SALE Sharks will be holding a three-day rugby camp, from February 12-14, at Stockport Grammar School. The camp will include two days of coaching by Sharks ...
See all stories on this topic

Google Blogs Alert for: "sale sharks"

Ex-Sale Sharks star finds new team at everydayprint
By Jason Walker
Everydayprint has announced something of a coup by appointing former Sale Sharks flanker, John Carter, as a new sales and marketing executive. John joins everydayprint with a brief to secure new business and will also work alongside ...
everydayprint News - http://www.everydayprint.co.uk/print-news

Annual Gala Dinner

The Supporters Club Annual Gala Dinner will be held in the Insider Suite, Edgeley Park, on Tuesday 8th April. We will be joined by many of our first team players, coaching staff, management and Guest Speakers. Keep an eye on our website for further information and details on how to book your place.
Voting forms for Supporters Player of the Year Awards are currently being sent to members and these awards will be presented at the dinner.
If you are not already a member of the Sale Sharks Supporters Club and would like to join you can do so on line at www.salesupporters.co.uk or you can find us at the Supporters Club table in the Marquee before every home game. We look forward to meeting you all at future events.

Leicester Away – Saturday 23rd February, 3.00 pm

Tickets for this game will be available from the Ticket Office until Midday on Wednesday 31st January. Tickets are selling fast and the only seating now available is in Clubhouse Block Z - £23, £21 concession, £12 junior or standing in the Crumbie Terrace priced at £20, £18, £8. Concessions are students in full time education and OAPs male and female 65 and over.
This game is sold out at Welford Road so your only opportunity to buy is through the ticket office on 08444 994 994.
The Supporters Club are running a coach to this game – it will leave Edgeley Park at 9.30 am, picking up at Heywood Road at 10 am and Sandbach Services at 10.30 am. We will be providing our usual refreshments on route and will stop for lunch at the Plough in Ratby. Coach should arrive at Welford Road at 2 pm for a 3 pm kick off. Fare is £20 return for members, £30 non-members, to book please contact travel@salesupporters.co.uk or ring Stan Smith on the usual mobile number.

Wasps Away – Sunday 10th February, 5.15 pm

Tickets for this game are now available from the ticket office. Tickets (in the Dream Stand) are priced at £26 and £18 for juniors under 16, senior citizens over 60 and students with a valid NUS card. Standing tickets are also available in the Dream Stand priced at £19 and £11 for concessions.
Unfortunately the timing of this game means SSSC are unable to run a coach to High Wycombe. However, we will be running a coach to all our remaining away games, details and booking available on our website at http://www.salesupporters.co.uk/ or by email to travel@salesupporters.co.uk. You can also ring us on the usual mobile phone.

Evening with James Jennings

The Sale Sharks Supporters Club will be hosting a Question and Answer evening with Sale Sharks’ new Chief Executive, James Jennings, in the Sapphire Suite at Edgeley Park, next Wednesday 30th January at 7 pm. James has been tasked with taking the club on the next steps on the road to great things, this is your chance to find out where the road will take us, how he hopes to avoid bumps along the way, and how long the journey may take.
Entrance is free for members, £2.50 non-members, children welcome.

News after the weekend

The Sharks failed to get the vital win they needed away in France this weekend, managing only a 14 all draw, but will nevertheless have a home quarterfinal in the Challenge Cup.

Recent news stories here:

Sharks bare teeth in ranking battle
The Press Association -
Sale Sharks are determined to complete their European Challenge Cup pool campaign in style on Saturday and secure a place among the top two seeds. ...
See all stories on this topic

Peel agrees to shock Sale switch
BBC Sport - UK
Llanelli Scarlets have announced that scrum-half Dwayne Peel will join Sale Sharks at the end of the season. Wales international Peel, 26, came through the ...
See all stories on this topic

Sheridan a doubt for Sale Sharks
By Latest News from Scrum.com
Sale Sharks are set to be without England international Andrew Sheridan for their European Challenge Cup clash with Montpellier tomorrow.
- http://replicarugbyshirt.com/blog

Sharks scent blood in Challenge Cup seedings fight
Sale Sharks are determined to complete their European Challenge Cup pool campaign in style today and secure a place among the top two seeds.
- http://www.22dropout.com

Jones ponders move from Scarlets
By Roger(Roger)
The news of Jones' possible departure comes just four days after the region announced that Wales scrum-half Dwayne Peel will join Sale Sharks next season. If Jones does leave, it will further test the Welsh Rugby Union resolve in ...
Football World - http://explorefootballworld.blogspot.com/

Team's up!

The following just in from Sale HQ including an very interesting looking centre partnership:

Saint-Andre, whose side currently sit atop Pool 4 and are already assured of a quarter-final berth, has labelled the clash as a 'must-win' game as they battle Worcester and Bath for one of the top two seedings.

Ahead of the game Saint-Andre commented, “We have taken maximum points so far in our pool but we need to play well tomorrow and we aim to win the game.

"Both Bath and Worcester are in a similar position to us and there are three of us wanting the two lucrative top two seedings. We welcome back Rory Lamont for the game after a few weeks out and Dean Schofield will captain the side, but we may have to play without Andrew Sheridan who has been suffering with the flu. Andrew will travel with us and I may include him in the 22.

"I have also named a strong bench as the game will be a tough one and I expect a full 80 minute battle, making the inter-game changes crucial.”

Sale Sharks: Mark Cueto, Rory Lamont, Chris Bell, Luke McAlister, Oriol Ripol, Charlie Hodgson, Sililo Martens, Lionel Faure, Scott Lawson, Eifion Roberts, Chris Jones, Dean Schofield (Captain), JM Fernandez Lobbe, Magnus Lund, Sebastien Chabal

Replacements: Sebastien Bruno, Ben Evans, Sean Cox, Jason White, Richard Wigglesworth, Rudi Keil, Chris Mayor

Rumours and news

Well the buzz of the week has been the apparent signing of Wales scrummie Dwayne Peel from the Scarlets. Peel and the Scarlets have merrily held press conferences on the matter (with Peel, oddly, admitting the move was in order to live abroad), yet no word at all from the Sharks themselves. We can only assume the delay is to do with a medical examination, perhaps on Peel's poorly shoulder.

Also, Nick Johnson has left the Sharks. Maybe it was he that was supposed to check on the shoulder?

Rumours abound thanks to the Peel arrival: is Sililo Martens leaving Sharks to go to Wales? Will Wigglesworth become second choice scrum half? What of the marvel that is Ben Foden? Sharks fans to a man (woman?) want Foden to stay, be it at 9, 11, 14 or 15.

There is still a persistent rumbling about the brothers Lobbe too: Ignatio seems to wish to move back home to Argentina (hence the arrival of Brent Cockbain?) and he brother Juan may well stick around to start a familt and get a green card.

Seb Bruno has had interesting news too, with the announcement that France captain Ibanez is stepping down from international rugby. Bruno is reported to have said that he nevertheless expects not to appear again for France and will end his professional days playing club rugger for Sale Sharks.

Team news for Montpellier later today, all going well.

SSSC

Recent news roundups

Six Nations keeps Sale on toes
Manchester Evening News - Manchester,England,UK
WITH a home quarter-final tie already in the bag, the pressure is off Sale Sharks as they jet out to take on Montpellier in the European Challenge Cup. ...
See all stories on this topic

Nick's exit won't hurt Sharks
Manchester Evening News - Manchester,England,UK
IT will be business as usual for Sale Sharks on the training ground despite the sudden departure of fitness and conditioning coach Nick Johnston. ...
See all stories on this topic

Insider Suite virtually sold out for Quins!
Sale Sharks - Stockport,UK
Sale Sharks have now released a (Season)-Ticket Holder offer in the Crownford Suite. To celebrate Burns Night in style, Blair Glen, General Manager of the ...
See all stories on this topic

Blues are playing for places
Planet Rugby - UK
The coach also spoke about his options regarding the gap left by the departure of All Black centre Luke McAlister to play for the Sale Sharks in the UK, ...
See all stories on this topic

International: Introducing Vainikolo of Gloucester
By bruneirugby
Backs: I Balshaw (Gloucester), D Cipriani (Wasps), M Cueto (Sale Sharks), T Flood (Newcastle), A Gomarsall (Harlequins), C Hodgson (Sale Sharks), J Noon (Newcastle), P Richards (London Irish), P Sackey (Wasps), D Strettle (Harlequins), ...
Brunei Rugby Online - http://bruneirugby.wordpress.com

Next weeks fixtures ...
By Stade Francais Coach(Stade Francais Coach)
The Wasps coach has come in for some harsh words from the Sale Sharks over the last week. Sparked by the Wasps claims of 'tackles bordering on assualt' and then the comments about Saracens 'dirty, underhand' play the Sharks management ...
THE PEWC CUP - http://pewccup.blogspot.com/

Peel agrees to shock Sale switch
By Roger(Roger)
Llanelli Scarlets have announced that scrum-half Dwayne Peel will join Sale Sharks at the end of the season. Wales international Peel, 26, came through the ranks at Llanelli and has been with the Scarlets regional side since its ...
Football World - http://explorefootballworld.blogspot.com/

Doncaster’s weekend preview
By admin
Doncaster Knights could look to a First Team Debut for James Jones who has yet to feature since his loan move from Sale Sharks and a possible home debut for impressive Matt Cox who came on loan from Worcester. ...
Your Rugby News - http://yourrugbynews.com

Sale Sharks 45 Petrarca 6 - Rugby union - Sport - Manchester ...
STOCKPORT, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 11: Dean Schofield of Sale Sharks is tackled by Stuart Grimes (L) and Nicky Little (R) of Padova during the European ...

Team for Friday's game now up

And its a weird one:

Mark Cueto, Oriol Ripol, Chris Bell, Rudi Keil, Steve Hanley, Richard Wigglesworth, Sililo Martens, Lionel Faure, Neil Briggs, Ben Evans, Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, Dean Schofield, Sean Cox, JM Fernandez Lobbe, Nathan Bonner Evans

Replacements: Marc Jones, Eifion Roberts, Chris Jones, Chris Day, Chris Mayor, Charlie Hodgson, Julien Laharrague


Richard Wigglesworth carries on his fascinating week by being selected at 10, where to be honest he has done the Sharks proud in the past. Bell at last gets a run out. Briggsy has another shot at hooker. But whats this? Cox starting at 6 for the Sharks? Well, it should be a very intruguing game.

News for the 10th January

Here are the news stories for the Sharks today -
Bruuuuuno has resigned (as in signed again), England teams have been announced.

Richard Wigglesworth has had a lot of coverage thanks to getting his senior England Squad callup, although check out the link below to a website which concentrates on sports players shirt graphics, which reports that his name is quite long. Brilliant investigative journalism!

Team news for Friday's match against Petrarca should be available later today: big guns or the young ones? Only PSA has the answer.

-----

Google News Alert for: "sale sharks"

Bruno re-signs for Sale
The Press Association -
Sale Sharks hooker Sebastien Bruno has signed a new two-year deal with the club. The Frenchman joined the club in 2004 and was a pivotal member of the side ...
See all stories on this topic

London Irish 20 Sale Sharks 12
Stockport Express - UK
IF the advertising slogan for Premiership sponsor Guinness is to be believed ‘Good Things Come to Those Who Wait’. But for travelling fans no good came out ...
See all stories on this topic

Stability first as Brian Ashton opts for experience over youth to ...
Times Online - UK
He is one of four uncapped players in the squad, alongside Vainikolo, Croft and Richard Wigglesworth, the Sale Sharks scrum half, and it would be surprising ...
See all stories on this topic

Angleterre : Un groupe de 32
Sport365.fr - Saint-Cloud,France
Arrières : Iain Balshaw (Gloucester), Danny Cipriani (Wasps), Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks), Toby Flood (Newcastle), Andy Gomarsall (Harlequins), Charlie Hodgson ...
See all stories on this topic

Angleterre: Les 32 sélectionnés
Sports.fr - France
Arrières: Balshaw (Gloucester), Cipriani (Wasps), Cueto (Sale Sharks), Flood (Newcastle), Gomarsall (Harlequins), Hodgson (Sale Sharks), Noon (Newcastle), ...
See all stories on this topic

Sharks tamed by Exiles
SkySports - Isleworth,UK
Sale Sharks lost ground at the top of the Guinness Premiership table after a 20-12 defeat at London Irish on Sunday. Without the services of Charlie Hodgson ...
See all stories on this topic

Taione joins Sharks
The Press Association -
Taione represented Tonga at the 2007 World Cup and put in a commanding performance against the Springboks and counts Guinness Premiership side Sale Sharks ...
See all stories on this topic

Google Blogs Alert for: "sale sharks"

Bruno Signs A New Deal With Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks are delighted to announce that Hooker Sebastien Bruno has signed a new two year deal to stay at the club.
Guinness Premiership News - http://www.guinnesspremiership.com

England Six Nation & Saxon squad 2008
By rugby
Backs: Balshaw (Gloucester), Cipriani (Wasps), Cueto (Sale Sharks), Flood (Newcastle), Gomarsall (Harlequins), Hodgson (Sale Sharks), Noon (Newcastle), Richards (London Irish), Sackey (Wasps), Strettle (Harlequins), Tait (Newcastle), ...
- http://www.22dropout.com

Numerology
By Paul Lukas
Fun NOB find by Caleb Borchers, who notes that Richard Wigglesworth (of the Sale Sharks rugby club in Manchester) wears “W’Worth.” … Dude, you forgot your mouthguard (as spotted by Glenn Chamberlain). … Several Canadiens and Black Hawks ...
Uni Watch - http://www.uniwatchblog.com

News roundup 9th January
By salesupporters.co.uk(salesupporters.co.uk)
Tonight Saracens managed to win the PEWC SEVENS competition sweeping aside London Wasps in the early game 21-7 before seeing off Sale Sharks in the final 21-14. Wasps had also lost to Sale Sharks in a hard fought game 7-10 which must . ...
salesupporters.co.uk - http://salesupporters.blogspot.com/

Volcano Vainikolo in England squad
By admin
England Six Nations Squad: Backs: I Balshaw (Gloucester), D Cipriani (Wasps), M Cueto (Sale Sharks), T Flood (Newcastle), A Gomarsall (Harlequins), C Hodgson (Sale Sharks), J Noon (Newcastle), P Richards (London Irish), P Sackey (Wasps) ...
rugby on tv - opinions from my barstool - http://rugbyontv.com

News roundup 9th January

Scottish team announcements and news that an old Shark is moving away from Japan.
Later today should see the England six nations team announced.

Google News Alert for: "sale sharks"

Fitness guru quits Sharks
Manchester Evening News - Manchester,England,UK
SALE Sharks were left stunned on Tuesday when one of the men behind their rise to the top announced his decision to quit. Nick Johnston, one of the most ...
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Epic signing for Sharks
FOXSports.com - USA
The 28-year-old Tongan centre, who caused the Springboks plenty of problems during their World Cup Pool A game, has also represented Sale Sharks and ...
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Saints appoint new head of performance
Northampton Chronicle & Echo - Northampton,England,UK
Johnston joins from Sale Sharks, where he has been head of physical preparation since 2004 and was part of the backroom team that guided the Sharks to the ...
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New Physio Appointed
Vitalfootball - Alcester,England,UK
He has also worked at Bury and Sale Sharks. Whilst a player at Sligo Rovers he took on the player-manager role and guided the club to a record unbeaten run ...
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Google Blogs Alert for: "sale sharks"

Scotland Six Nation Squad 2008
By rugby
Backs: Mike Blair, Ben Cairns, (both Edinburgh), Chris Cusiter (Perpignan), Simon Danielli (Ulster), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh), Thom Evans (Glasgow Warriors), Phil Godman (Edinburgh), Rory Lamont (Sale Sharks), Rory Lawson (Gloucester), ...
- http://www.22dropout.com

LATEST SCORES ...
By Stade Francais Coach(Stade Francais Coach)
Tonight Saracens managed to win the PEWC SEVENS competition sweeping aside London Wasps in the early game 21-7 before seeing off Sale Sharks in the final 21-14. Wasps had also lost to Sale Sharks in a hard fought game 7-10 which must ...
THE PEWC CUP - http://pewccup.blogspot.com/

Sharks announce new signing
Rugby World Cup star, Tongan Epi Taione, is set to link up with the team from Japan according to sharksrugby.co.zaCurrently playing for Sanyo Wild Knights (the same team as Tony Brown), he has also represented Sale Sharks as well as ...
SARugby.com - http://www.sarugby.com/news/

White Confirmed As Scots Captain
By sadiq(sadiq)
Backs: M Blair, B Cairns (both Edinburgh), C Cusiter (Perpignan), S Danielli (Ulster), N De Luca (Edinburgh), T Evans (Glasgow Warriors), P Godman (Edinburgh), R Lamont (Sale Sharks), R Lawson (Gloucester), C MacRae (Edinburgh), ...
Sports Masters - http://muhdsadiq34.blogspot.com/

News roundup

Google News Alert for: "sale sharks"

Toothless Sharks slip to defeat
The Press Association -
Sale Sharks suffered their first Guinness Premiership defeat for almost three months after producing a listless display to go down 20-12 to London Irish at ...
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Sharks sink under Exiles' force
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
Sale Sharks suffered their first Premiership defeat for almost three months after producing a listless display as they went down 20-12 to London Irish at ...
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Guinness Premiership round-up
Setanta Sports - London,England,UK
by Richard Field, 06 January 2008 Tom Varndell scored a hat-trick as Leicester overwhelmed Harlequins 42-13 in The Guinness Premiership, while Sale Sharks ...
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Exiles` blitz leaves Sale short
Planet Rugby - UK
Sale Sharks:15 Julien Laharrague, 14 Mark Cueto, 13 Chris Mayor, 12 Lee Thomas, 11 Oriol Ripol, 10 Luke McAlister, 9 Richard Wigglesworth, ...
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Google Blogs Alert for: "sale sharks"

Exiles inflict rare defeat on Sale
London Irish 20 Sale Sharks 12: Sale Sharks suffered their first English Premiership defeat for almost three months after producing a listless display at the Madejski Stadium. View the original post by ireland.com Breaking News.
Something.ie - http://something.ie

Sale stutter to loss at Irish
Sale Sharks suffered their first GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP defeat for almost three months after producing a listless display at the Madejski Stadium.
Guinness Premiership News - http://www.guinnesspremiership.com

Guinness Premiership round-up
Tom Varndell scored a hat-trick as Leicester overwhelmed Harlequins 42-13 in The Guinness Premiership, while Sale Sharks suffered their first league defeat in almost three months against London Irish and Jonny Wilkinson’s drop goal ...
Setanta Sports News - http://sports.setanta.com/

Smith Keen To Sink Sharks
By sadiq(sadiq)
Euro Sport(6/1/2008):Brian Smith is confident London Irish can put a frustrating away day at Welford Road behind them and blow Guinness Premiership form team Sale Sharks off course on Sunday. Irish left Leicester without a point last ...
Sports Masters - http://muhdsadiq34.blogspot.com/

New Sharks stories on the web

Google News Alert for: "sale sharks"

McAlister Back For Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks - Stockport,UK
Sale Sharks have named their side for Sunday’s Guinness Premiership game at London Irish. Included in the starting line up is Luke McAlister who missed the ...
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Baby boom for Sharks rugby team
BBC News - UK
Half of the Greater Manchester rugby union team Sale Sharks have become fathers in the past eight months. A total of seven players, two coaches and the ...
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Casey returns to lead London Irish
Worldcupweb.com - Johannesburg,South Africa
Bob Casey returns to lead London Irish in its Guinness Premiership match with Sale Sharks at Madejski Stadium on Sunday. The match kicks-off at 3.00pm. ...
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Google Blogs Alert for: "sale sharks"

McAlister back for Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks have named their side for Sunday's Guinness Premiership game at London Irish. Included in the starting line up is Luke McAlister who missed the game at Leeds with a leg injury.
Guinness Premiership News - http://www.guinnesspremiership.com

Baby boom at Sale Sharks
SALE Sharks have been sold a dummy - after half the team became dads in an eight month baby boom.
Manchester Evening News - http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/

4th of January's Google Alert - "sale sharks"
By salesupporters.co.uk(salesupporters.co.uk)
Baby boom at Sale Sharks Manchester Evening News - Manchester,England,UK SALE Sharks have been sold a dummy - after half the team became dads in an eight month baby boom. A total of seven players, two coaches and the club manager . ...
salesupporters.co.uk - http://salesupporters.blogspot.com/

London Irish vs. Sale Sharks
Forum: England Posted By: guy Post Time: 04-01-2008 at 07:08 PM.
Rugby Rebels - http://board.rugbyrebels.com/mb

McAlister returns for Sharks
By Latest News from Scrum.com
Sale Sharks have named New Zealand star Luke McAlister in their side for Sunday's Guinness Premiership game at London Irish.
replicarugbyshirt.com - http://replicarugbyshirt.com/blog

Google News Alert for: "sale sharks"

Smith hoping to sink Sharks
The Press Association -
... is confident London Irish can put a frustrating away day at Welford Road behind them and blow Guinness Premiership form team Sale Sharks off course. ...
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Mac's back for Sale
Manchester Evening News - Manchester,England,UK
ALL Blacks centre Luke McAlister is back for Sale Sharks ahead of the trip to London Irish. McAlister, who has made a significant impact since his arrival ...
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Rugby: Smith calls for huge effort to make top six
Reading Evening Post - Reading,England,UK
MIKE CATT returns from injury as London Irish prepare to take on fourth-placed Sale Sharks in the Guinness Premiership at Madejski Stadium on Sunday (3pm). ...
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Google Blogs Alert for: "sale sharks"

Smith eyes new year Sale
Brian Smith is confident London Irish can put a frustrating away day at Welford Road behind them and blow form team Sale Sharks off course on Sunday.
Teletext Rugby Union News - http://www.teletext.co.uk/sport/rugby/union-stories/default.aspx

Smith keen to sink Sharks
Brian Smith is confident London Irish can put a frustrating away day at Welford Road behind them and blow Guinness Premiership form team Sale Sharks off course tomorrow. View the original post by BreakingNews.ie / TCM.
Irish Sports News Feeds - http://something.ie/sports

Hill Predicts Make-Or-Break Spell
By sadiq(sadiq)
In-form Sale Sharks welcome back All Blacks centre Luke McAlister for the Madejski Stadium appointment with London Irish tomorrow. Irish, meanwhile, have lost the services of centre Seilala Mapusua (broken hand) for six to eight weeks, ...
Sports Masters - http://muhdsadiq34.blogspot.com/

Google Web Alert for: "sale sharks"

Preview: Exiles v Sale Sharks - Rugby News, Results, Fixtures and ...
Planet-Rugby.com has the all the latest Zurich Premiership, Heineken Cup, Six Nations, Tri Nations, Super 12 and World Cup 2003 news plus features, ...