London Irish tomorrow

Happy Irish
By Sarah
May 4 2002

London Irish have had an emotional fortnight, beating Northampton in the Powergen Cup final and then crashing out of the Parker Pen Shield in a competitive encounter against Pontypridd. Maybe they'll be off kilter for our important league clash on Sunday?

Sale's squad is the same as last week's apart from Andy Titterell replacing Bernard Jackman. Charl Marais is the other hooker in the party.

It's another big game for both clubs because this match could decide who finishes the league in the top three position. Sale and Irish are equal on points in the table so whoever wins the game will go into third place on Sunday night.

Jim Mallinder had some cautious words to go with the team announcement.

“I have been keen to guard against any complacency and I have reminded the boys that its now back to the hard graft of league rugby and that what happened last Sunday has to be forgotten for the time being", he said.

“Irish are one of the best sides we have encountered this season. I have great respect for Irish and for their coach Brendan Venter, who has done a tremendous job for them. I know we were very grateful to get away with a draw when they played at Heywood Road.

“Their defence is excellent and we only broke it down once. And that was just after Brendan had gone off injured.

Sale squad: Jason Robinson, Mark Cueto, Jos Baxendell, Mel Deane, Martin Shaw, Dan Harris, Steve Hanley, Charlie Hodgson, Bryan Redpath, Alan Dickens, Kevin Yates, Adam Black, Stuart Turner, Charl Marais, Andy Titterrell, Mark Giacheri, Iain Fullarton, Chris Jones, Richard Wilks, Alex Sanderson, Pete Anglesea, Stuart Pinkerton.

Kick off is 3pm at the Madejski stadium.

The poll this week asked whether we could beat London Irish on Sunday. Well either you were being pessimistic (or honest?), or there were more voters who supported Irish than Sale, but the answer was a resounding "Er no".

Question: Will Sale emerge victorious from the Madejski on Sunday?

Oh yeah! 28%
Er no. 72%

Let's hope the players have more confidence in their own abilities!