Sale Sharks v Wasps Preview: Sharks captain Ross returns

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SALFORD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: JP du Preez of Sale Sharks celebrates after victory in the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Sale Sharks and Bath Rugby at AJ Bell Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Salford, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Captain Jono Ross returns to the side as Sharks host at the AJ Bell Stadium in Saturday’s New Year’s Day 2:00 PM kick off.   

Both teams have made underwhelming starts to their campaigns with last season’s semi-finalists lying in 11th with 19 points.   

After last week’s bonus point win against London Irish, Wasps are up to eighth on 24 points and are now just nine points off the top four.   

Sale’s last fixture was postponed due to Covid-19, meaning they haven’t played in the Premiership since November when they were beaten 25-14 away to .   

The Sharks were last in action against in the Champions Cup, winning 21-13 away in .   Sale have lost three out of their last five domestic games and will need a huge turnaround in performances and results if they are to replicate last season’s third place finish.   

Team news

Alongside the returning Ross, half Will Cliff is back from injury to start, whilst Luke James also returns to start at full back.   

Lee Blackett’s side will be without star fly half Jacob Umaga after his red card in the win over Irish, so Jimmy Gopperth moves from centre to 10.   

Wasps have endured a nightmare injury conudrum this campaign but will be relieved to have Sam Spink, Michael Le Bourgeois and Nizaam Carr return to the starting 15, whilst Charlie Atkinson, Rob Miller and Robin Hislop return to the bench.   

Stars and Jack Willis are expected to return within the next couple months, but Wasps fans will be thankful Paolo Odogwu has returned to training.    

Head coach Blackett said: “Away at Sale is always a challenge but it’s doable, as we proved last season. We just have to find a way, and I’m sure we will.”   

The two teams last played each other back in March, with Sale victorious in by the narrowest of margins 20-19.  

This Sunday, The Paper will bring you the best reaction and reports from Saturday’s fixtures.

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