Alex Sanderson fans the flames ahead of clash with ‘ungracious’ Harlequins
SALFORD, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Alex Sanderson, the Sale Sharks director of rugby looks on during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Sale Sharks and Leicester Tigers at AJ Bell Stadium on May 07, 2021 in Salford, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson hopes to settle a score in Friday night’s Gallagher Premiership clash with Harlequins.
Sanderson was unhappy with how Quins reacted to their 24-12 victory over Sharks in February, labelling their opponents as ‘not very gracious’.
“I’ve been at the wrong end of a couple of results and they’re a side that let you know it when they do win,” said Sanderson.
“They’re not very gracious in victory. We felt that down there and it’s always nice to put a bit of animosity, inject a bit of that north-south divide.”
Nevertheless, Sanderson did recognise the skill Harlequins boast which has assured them of a first semi-final place in the Premiership play-offs in seven years.
“They’re probably the most dangerous team on transition, turn over and all the stats indicate they’re the second most devastating team ball-in-hand in terms of metres made and defenders beaten, second only to Bristol,” added Sanderson.
“So we’ve got a very similar challenge in terms of the threats they pose this weekend with a bit more unpredictability I’d say.”
Quins’ scrum coach Adam Jones has been equally studious and said his side know exactly what to expect from Sale.
“They’re a physical side who will punish you with the core fundamentals of their game, so we know we will have to be focused and disciplined to get a result,” Jones said.
Sale Sharks v Harlequins (Friday, 7.45pm kick-off)
Sale Sharks: 15 Simon Hammersley, 14 Byron McGuigan, 13 Sam James, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Marland Yarde, 10 AJ MacGinty, 9 Faf de Klerk; 1 Ross Harrison, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 4 Josh Beaumont (c), 5 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Cameron Neild, 7 Ben Curry, 8 Daniel du Preez.
Replacements: 16 Curtis Langdon, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Will-Griff John, 19 Jean-Pierre du Preez, 20 Jono Ross, 21 Will Cliff, 22 Robert du Preez, 23 Rohan Janse van Rensburg.
Harlequins: 15 Tyrone Green, 14 Aaron Morris, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Oscar Beard, 10 James Lang, 9 Martin Landajo, 1 Santiago Garcia Botta, 2 Joe Gray, 3 Will Collier, 4 Dino Lamb, 5 Stephan Lewies (c), 6 Archie White, 7 Luke Wallace, 8 Tom Lawday.
Replacements: 16 Elia Elia, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Simon Kerrod, 19 Tevita Cavubati, 20 Hugh Tizard, 21 Scott Steele, 22 Will Edwards, 23 Louis Lynagh.
