Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
By TheSaracens.com
April 14 2026
Sunday sees us taking on Sale Sharks at the CorpAcq Stadium (once the Salford City Stadium, The A J Bell and the Salford Community Stadium). Sale’s form and fortunes have followed a similar trajectory to Sarries’. Having not finished outside the top 6 since 2018-19, Sale are currently languishing in 7th place. Only 1 place below Sarries, it’s true, but 11 points separate the 2 teams.
Sale have won just 3 Premiership games this season which makes Sarries’ 5 look good! Sale’s last Premiership win was on Boxing Day when they thumped Quins. Sarries won the reverse fixture at StoneX by a big margin, 65-14, back in October. Sale also have a horrendous injury list including both Currys, Luke Cown-Dickie and Bevan Rodd. Nathan Jibulu is suspended following a biting incident. Meanwhile Sarries also have their own injury problems. We found out this week that Elliot Daly, Andy Oneyama-Christie and Juan Martin Gonzalez are all out for the season.
Sale have had 2 hard games over the past couple of weeks: beating Quins at the Stoop but then loosing the Leinster at the Aviva. Meanwhile Sarries, after an encouraging performance against Bath had a week off last weekend. However Alex Sanderson is never to be underestimated and George Ford can still control a game when the mood suits him.
Team selection will be fascinating: are we sticking with the old or building for the future? Or a bit of both? Daly’s injury means we will have to rejig the backs but do we start Max, who has been horrendously out of form but showed a glimpse of his old self when he came on against Bath, or do we take the opportunity to play Jack Bracken or Tobias Elliott at 15? I really hope we persist with the young guys on the wings: Noah and wither Jack B or Elliott (although its tough on Segun). Centres remain a conundrum. Personally I wouldn’t play Faz, I think his presence inhibits Burke who I would definitely start at 10. Where’s Hartley? If we stick with Tompkins we need something with a bit more pace outside him. Charle B has to start at 9. I think we go as heavy as we can with the forwards: Carre, Dan and Street, Itoje and Tizard, McFarland Earl (hopefully) and Willis.
We really do need to win this one for lots of reasons: to keep the season going, to restore our self belief, to get us back on the rails again although in truth, the result almost certainly won’t matter at the end of the day. Hopefully if we maintain the standard we set over the past 2 games we should have just enough to get over the line.
Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: TheSaracens.com (IP Logged)
Date: 14/04/2026 19:58
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:04:26:20:49:17 by Darraghgirl.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:04:26:20:49:17 by Darraghgirl.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: tpr's headmistress (IP Logged)
Date: 14/04/2026 21:17
Information from SSA re Sunday:
"SUNDAY MAYHEM IN MANCHESTER
Be aware, those attending the match at Sale on Sunday, that the Manchester Marathon is being run and in a major football fixture, Manchester City are hosting Arsenal.
The marathon does run through Sale out to Altringham, but Sharks don't actually play there, being out by the motorway.
Be advised to avoid the Manchester city centre and Sale itself.
Thank you to Angela Traynor of Sale Sharks."
[I hope this hasn't trodden on anyone's toes by repeating on here.)
"SUNDAY MAYHEM IN MANCHESTER
Be aware, those attending the match at Sale on Sunday, that the Manchester Marathon is being run and in a major football fixture, Manchester City are hosting Arsenal.
The marathon does run through Sale out to Altringham, but Sharks don't actually play there, being out by the motorway.
Be advised to avoid the Manchester city centre and Sale itself.
Thank you to Angela Traynor of Sale Sharks."
[I hope this hasn't trodden on anyone's toes by repeating on here.)
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: saracensfan62 (IP Logged)
Date: 15/04/2026 09:40
I cannot remember the last time we won a game in either the cup or the Premiership, so this is a real must-win. Come on Sarries
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: The Bard (IP Logged)
Date: 15/04/2026 16:39
Newcastle late Jan in the Prem our last win, so defeats since and at least 4 and possibly 5 of those should have been wins so we are certainly competitive for 78 minutes!
The word amongst the Ampthill faithful on Saturday was that both Jack Bracken and Angus Hall would be involved with us, one potentially starting which would be excellent as they both looked good against an albeit weak London Scottish.
Hopefully Ben Earl recovered but there should be a space for a young back row in the squad.
The word amongst the Ampthill faithful on Saturday was that both Jack Bracken and Angus Hall would be involved with us, one potentially starting which would be excellent as they both looked good against an albeit weak London Scottish.
Hopefully Ben Earl recovered but there should be a space for a young back row in the squad.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 15/04/2026 17:52
I’m very glad this is not on a Friday at least.
Bard you have my hopes up, I will hold you personally responsible for any disappointment on Friday lunchtime!
If Earl isn’t available I wonder who who would start from the youngsters? Michelow, Theo and Willis feels a bit samey, I’m not too familiar with the youngsters but at a guess West and Hammick would be the 7 type players? Unless Knight makes a surprise return.
Bard you have my hopes up, I will hold you personally responsible for any disappointment on Friday lunchtime!
If Earl isn’t available I wonder who who would start from the youngsters? Michelow, Theo and Willis feels a bit samey, I’m not too familiar with the youngsters but at a guess West and Hammick would be the 7 type players? Unless Knight makes a surprise return.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: The Bard (IP Logged)
Date: 15/04/2026 18:11
West hasn’t played for a couple of weeks so hopefully not injured. Hammick played 8 for Ampthill on Saturday but seems more in the Andy Christie mould.
We’ll probably get Goodey out of retirement!
We’ll probably get Goodey out of retirement!
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: PaulHerox (IP Logged)
Date: 15/04/2026 21:43
Has Eke played for Ampthill recently. It was mentioned he's back and I like to see more of him maybe at 6 as opposed to lock. McFarland is playing so well and I'd be interested in what options we might have in a similar if not identical role. I think our backrow locks much better with a lock/6 although JMG is great there too.
I really hope that we see Burke at 10 and Malins finally backed for a run at FullBack along with a couple of our quick young wings. A midfield combination for the future to add to our attack and defence.
If the players are available I'd like to see.
Bracken, Burke
Hartley, Cinti
Segun/Elliot, Malins, Caluori
I really hope that we see Burke at 10 and Malins finally backed for a run at FullBack along with a couple of our quick young wings. A midfield combination for the future to add to our attack and defence.
If the players are available I'd like to see.
Bracken, Burke
Hartley, Cinti
Segun/Elliot, Malins, Caluori
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: Darraghgirl (IP Logged)
Date: 16/04/2026 12:11
Referee Christophe Ridley
assisted by Hamish Smales and Jamie Leahy
TMO Pweter Allan
assisted by Hamish Smales and Jamie Leahy
TMO Pweter Allan
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: saracensfan62 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/04/2026 15:33
Charlie West in prticular brings a real burst of energy whenever he's played for us, hope he's at least involved in the selection for this game
Think the season s pretty much over and done with now (the showdown loss was the final nail in the proverbial coffin) so would prefer to see youngsters given the opportunities to play exciting stuff and throw it around a bit.
Think the season s pretty much over and done with now (the showdown loss was the final nail in the proverbial coffin) so would prefer to see youngsters given the opportunities to play exciting stuff and throw it around a bit.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: PaulHerox (IP Logged)
Date: 16/04/2026 15:55
It's an interesting question saracensfan62. What is it we want to see for the remainder of the games.
For me wins are no longer the priority.
I'll happily take some pain now if that's needed to give some newer combinations a chance. That doesn't mean simply "play the kids" though but rather a combination that gives those newer combinations and younger payers a chance to thrive.
My main hope is that we don't just go again with the team that has just lost three big games on the bounce on the basis that we were close enough. Yes, they might well prove good enough to get a few wins in the remaining games but we'll learn very little.
I think we should regard these almost as pre-season games.
For me wins are no longer the priority.
I'll happily take some pain now if that's needed to give some newer combinations a chance. That doesn't mean simply "play the kids" though but rather a combination that gives those newer combinations and younger payers a chance to thrive.
My main hope is that we don't just go again with the team that has just lost three big games on the bounce on the basis that we were close enough. Yes, they might well prove good enough to get a few wins in the remaining games but we'll learn very little.
I think we should regard these almost as pre-season games.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: Sarrov (IP Logged)
Date: 16/04/2026 20:19
I think it is unlikely that we would select a side for development. The coaches and players will very much see the season as still alive and be looking to win all the remaining games
The big calls is at 15 I would say. I expect McCall to go with Malins, but I would love to see Tobias or Angus there.
The big calls is at 15 I would say. I expect McCall to go with Malins, but I would love to see Tobias or Angus there.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: PaulHerox (IP Logged)
Date: 16/04/2026 20:28
It would be very odd not to back Malins having stuck him behind an out of form Daly for most of the season. I appreciate Malins form has been patchy too including poor very early season but he's a quality player and with Burke at 10 we stand a chance of igniting the attack.
Elliot is a good option but not a play-maker and I'd much prefer that with two quick young backs.
On the basis that we don't start Farrell at 10 the big call is at 12 in my view.
Elliot is a good option but not a play-maker and I'd much prefer that with two quick young backs.
On the basis that we don't start Farrell at 10 the big call is at 12 in my view.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 16/04/2026 21:59
Malins seems likely to start but let’s not forget the biggest issue he faced was M Smith putting bomb after bomb on him early in the season and we’re coming up against George Ford. I think Elliott has some playmaking ability (maybe not on the level of Malins), he’s played 10 at lower levels and I remember him stepping in at first receiver in the prem cup last season very nicely.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: Sarrov (IP Logged)
Date: 16/04/2026 22:18
Quote:TommyKentish
Malins seems likely to start but let’s not forget the biggest issue he faced was M Smith putting bomb after bomb on him early in the season and we’re coming up against George Ford. I think Elliott has some playmaking ability (maybe not on the level of Malins), he’s played 10 at lower levels and I remember him stepping in at first receiver in the prem cup last season very nicely.
Indeed. He came through as a 10 and has played there at least once for the first team (albeit in the Prem Cup if i remember correctly).
I am a big fan of Malins but I also want us to pick on form. On that basis, Roti, Noah and Tobias are all playing better than him for Sarries and Jack Bracken has been tearing it up for Ampthill.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: AP (IP Logged)
Date: 17/04/2026 08:48
I didn't think I would ever post this, but I really don't want Owen in the XV. On the bench is fine, if calm experience becomes necessary, but I would like to see a side showing leadership and ability independently of him.
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: saracensfan62 (IP Logged)
Date: 17/04/2026 09:10
Paul, I very much agree that we should encourage development and avoid selecting the old guns based on the fact we almost won 3 games. Almost hasn't buttered any parsnips this season for us. We are stuck in 6th position, 12 points off the playoff positions (and thats just 4th place!) with a mere 6 games left.
My main concern now is next season. Newcastle have recruited extremely nicely and will likely tear it up next year, Gloucester look to be improving (albeit slowly) and even Quins have managed to get a bit of recruitment in. I think we need to cement a regular team, as you say, with younger players becoming significantly more involved but keeping some of the older guys to allow for a strong mix. The transition that we've so often talked about has not gone as we'd hoped over the last couple of years I feel. That's not just off a results basis, but also off a match-by-match basis. We've been starting guys so out-of-form it's been painful to watch at times.
My main concern now is next season. Newcastle have recruited extremely nicely and will likely tear it up next year, Gloucester look to be improving (albeit slowly) and even Quins have managed to get a bit of recruitment in. I think we need to cement a regular team, as you say, with younger players becoming significantly more involved but keeping some of the older guys to allow for a strong mix. The transition that we've so often talked about has not gone as we'd hoped over the last couple of years I feel. That's not just off a results basis, but also off a match-by-match basis. We've been starting guys so out-of-form it's been painful to watch at times.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: Sarriebone (IP Logged)
Date: 17/04/2026 11:31
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: Sarriebone (IP Logged)
Date: 17/04/2026 11:47
Edit to add:
Sale website has a slightly different team sheet to the graphic:
Starting XV:
15. Tom Roebuck, 14. Tom O’Flaherty, 13. Rob du Preez, 12. Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, 11. Alex Wills, 10. George Ford, 9. Gus Warr; 1. Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 2. Ethan Caine, 3. James Harper, 4. Ernst van Rhyn ©, 5. Ben Bamber, 6. Jacques Vermeulen, 7. Jos Gilmore, 8. Sam Dugdale.
Replacements:
16. Alfie Longstaff, 17. Ralph McEachran, 18. Tye Raymont, 19. Dylan Hodkinson, 20. Reuben Logan, 21. Dom Hanson, 22. Marius Louw, 23. Tristan Woodman.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:04:17:12:11:39 by Sarriebone.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: MarkCol7 (IP Logged)
Date: 17/04/2026 12:00
Not sure we can complain about injuries looking at that Sale pack and bench , seriously weak
Big questions to be answered if we can’t get a result here
Big questions to be answered if we can’t get a result here
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: Strangelove (IP Logged)
Date: 17/04/2026 12:49
Great to see Olly, Charlie, Fergus, Noah and Angus all involved. Little Theo should be starting and Faz is in the correct position (on the bench). No Tobias, hope he is not injured, although do I recall him coming off against Bath?
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: Sarrov (IP Logged)
Date: 17/04/2026 13:29
Seems a much better balanced 10, 12, 13 than recent weeks.
Hopefully we see Max with his mojo back as that backline has a lot of potential.
Earl being available is a big plus. With Sale's injuries we really should be looking to make a statement up front.
Hopefully we see Max with his mojo back as that backline has a lot of potential.
Earl being available is a big plus. With Sale's injuries we really should be looking to make a statement up front.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: saracensfan62 (IP Logged)
Date: 17/04/2026 16:07
I'm optimistic having seen our side. Wishing the wolfpack all the best in Manchester.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 17/04/2026 17:27
I’d be interested to know when the last time we won up there was, it feels like a ground we don’t like visiting much. We won’t have a better chance than this weekend though, huge injury list for Sale.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: siNBin (IP Logged)
Date: 17/04/2026 18:32
Charlie's pace making should give us an advantage
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: #wolfpack1 (IP Logged)
Date: 17/04/2026 18:37
Exciting to see up and coming talents like Riccioni, Wilson, IVZ and Farrell on the bench who will be the future of the club going forwards. Hopefully they can get good minutes and experience under their belts for next season.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: Stonexjim (IP Logged)
Date: 17/04/2026 18:48
Quote:#wolfpack1
Exciting to see up and coming talents like Riccioni, Wilson, IVZ and Farrell on the bench who will be the future of the club going forwards. Hopefully they can get good minutes and experience under their belts for next season.
But we’ve got no young tight heads or second row/back rowers or 10/12s or scrum halves so it’s ok. Oh wait…
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: PaulHerox (IP Logged)
Date: 18/04/2026 08:37
Quote:Sarrov
Seems a much better balanced 10, 12, 13 than recent weeks.
Hopefully we see Max with his mojo back as that backline has a lot of potential
Agree. I think that is a great looking team with a good balance. I also think you can see if it goes well that you could make minimal changes and give it even more attacking potential.
I hope that that spine is backed for the rest of the season now rather than given one chance then done.
I also hope that both the gameplan and ambition is one that suits that group.
The weather is set fair and whilst we would never take Sale lightly it's undeniable that injuries have impacted them and that should benefit us. I don't know enough about their wider squad but given they're on about their fourth choice hooker and also have some issues at prop we really should be targeting both elements of their set piece.
There's a good amount of carrying threat in our team and on the bench along with a bunch of skilful and quick players who read the game well. I'd really hope to see us playing some of Dai's LQB, using out threats at the gainline along with running support off our carriers and looking for offloads.
Sale's bench looks like it might struggle so I'd hope that where possible we keep our shape beyond 50 and allow those who have started to net the rewards rather than swap out for the sake of it.
It's be interesting to see where both Farrell and Hall come on.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: AP (IP Logged)
Date: 18/04/2026 08:59
LQB?
(Never use undefined TLAs.)
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
(Never use undefined TLAs.)
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: PaulHerox (IP Logged)
Date: 18/04/2026 09:10
Sorry, Lightning-Quick Ball. I think R O'Gara's TLA!
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: ComeOnSarries (IP Logged)
Date: 18/04/2026 11:28
Quote:Personally I think that this is the absolute best use of such vastly experienced players. We are giving the likes of Charlie, Fergus and Olly the start positions but it is absolutely great to know that if anyone is injured or if we need fresh legs that we have such experienced internationals as IVZ and OF to see us home - something we have been appallingly bad at in the last three months. I think OF is the absolute perfect player to have on a bench as he covers both fly half and 12 and will add energy when he comes on.#wolfpack1
Exciting to see up and coming talents like Riccioni, Wilson, IVZ and Farrell on the bench who will be the future of the club going forwards. Hopefully they can get good minutes and experience under their belts for next season.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: ninjafez (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 08:52
save travels to all who are going up today, i'm about to leave for the train station in about 10 minutes for this seasons trip to a new stadium I have yet to visit.. hoping for a tough win..
Edit. Corrected grammar
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:04:19:09:51:20 by ninjafez.
Edit. Corrected grammar
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:04:19:09:51:20 by ninjafez.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: Teacher-peter (retired) (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 09:35
Brand new stadium???
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 14:20
Stat from TNT, first for handling errors, missed tackles and turnovers conceded in the prem.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: ninjafez (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 14:45
Not too surprised by that but nice early start... Sale catching it of us
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 14:49
Excellent start and some nice attacking shape beyond 2 phases which is great to see.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 15:11
By far the best attacking display of the season so far even allowing for a depleted Sale squad.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: MarkCol7 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 15:12
Very nice and efficient half, although Sale have been absolutely awful
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: #wolfpack1 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 15:13
I don’t think anyone would have expected that.
Sale are woeful, but some very nice rugby - especially for Toms try and Noah’s second.
Max having his best game since rejoining by long way
Sale are woeful, but some very nice rugby - especially for Toms try and Noah’s second.
Max having his best game since rejoining by long way
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 15:40
Yes great to see Max to his best. Caluori scoring 8 in a season v one club is just silly.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 15:41
lol 9 and counting.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: Stonexjim (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 15:42
Absolutely unbelievable stuff this. Amazing
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 15:47
Haha 10.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: #wolfpack1 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 15:54
I don’t think I’ve seen a more abject premiership display than Sale today.
This could be anything.
They’ve had armchair rides but Charlie and Max have been great, and in the pack Rhys and TheoMc played really really well too
This could be anything.
They’ve had armchair rides but Charlie and Max have been great, and in the pack Rhys and TheoMc played really really well too
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 16:19
What strange season we’ve had. Capable of this and Toulouse but also capable of Bath.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: MarkCol7 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 16:20
Ridiculous that Caluori was sent to Ampthill rather than play the Showdown
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: ComeOnSarries (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 16:22
Sale were poor but Sarries kept the pressure up which was pleasing. The most pleasing thing today was to see Malins playing with a smile on his face. I thought Charlie and Fergus controlled the game as half backs and Noah showed some of his stardust. The forwards did what was required and we put 85 points on Sale with 13 tries - their biggest ever defeat!
Next week will be a far sterner test but I didn’t see us pick up any injuries so we should be well placed for a great game against a strong Tigers side. I am definitely looking forward to it a lot more now!
Next week will be a far sterner test but I didn’t see us pick up any injuries so we should be well placed for a great game against a strong Tigers side. I am definitely looking forward to it a lot more now!
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 16:33
Agreed COS. Hopefully we keep that 9/10/12 axis, it worked really nicely.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: Strangelove (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 17:06
Quote:TommyKentish
Agreed COS. Hopefully we keep that 9/10/12 axis, it worked really nicely.
Absolutely, they make such a difference. iVZ and Faz should always come off bench if Charlie and Ferg are fit to start. Max said in post match that he prefers 15 - now he has some confidence I hope he nails that down, having Daly injured for rest of season could help him do that. The Theos were great, plus Olly, Tiz, Tommo, big Tom, props…well everybody. Thought O’Flaherty was the only Shark with some bite, apart from that drop in goal. Pleased to see Angus get some good minutes and he did well, although thought he could have scored himself rather than kicking through.
As commentators said, we have games against 3 teams above us chasing the POs, and 2 against poor teams. We’ve probably left ourselves too much to do, but I just want to see same fight and intent against a very good Tigers next week
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 17:20
Yes if we beat Tigers and Bris then I might let myself dream of a late playoff charge but until then just happy to see us playing like this and developing the backline. The only thing I probably didn’t like was seeing Hall on the wing, would much rather he was at 13 or 15. We have a lot of fast, young wingers who should be coming on there instead.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: Sarrov (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 17:29
My main highlights:
- Delighted to see Max playing so well and looking full of confidence.
- Pleased that we kept Hartley and Tompkins on for the full 80, giving them time to build a partnership.
- Bracken and Burke both being a running threat seems to open up space wider out.
- We need to invent a new formation that includes 4 wingers, as it is soon going to be nigh on impossible to chose who to leave out.
- Noah throwing the ball away after every score, before trotting back to fetch it for the kicker didn't get old for me. At one point I think Burke took the mick out of him about it.
- Delighted to see Max playing so well and looking full of confidence.
- Pleased that we kept Hartley and Tompkins on for the full 80, giving them time to build a partnership.
- Bracken and Burke both being a running threat seems to open up space wider out.
- We need to invent a new formation that includes 4 wingers, as it is soon going to be nigh on impossible to chose who to leave out.
- Noah throwing the ball away after every score, before trotting back to fetch it for the kicker didn't get old for me. At one point I think Burke took the mick out of him about it.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: #wolfpack1 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 17:51
Has Tobias ever played 13?
He looks strong enough, is definitely quick enough and would allow Noah and Jack to play on the wing.
He looks strong enough, is definitely quick enough and would allow Noah and Jack to play on the wing.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: saracensfan62 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 19:00
excellent win, not going to say anymore than that!
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: Darraghgirl (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 20:09
I enjoyed that. I'd forgotten what it feels like after a performance like that. So nice to see Max playing well. The future's bright!
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: The Bard (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 21:14
The Eurythmics have already made a song about it
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: PaulHerox (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 22:35
Early on with Healey in commentary saying how he expected to see a return to 3 phases and kick for this season and under Venter I was getting ready for a cry under my pillow but what delight that was.
With respect to Caluori there was only one M of the Match and that was Malins. That was different level. Shaky first few minutes but then showed the value of rugby brain and skills.
His running counter-attack off MacFarland kick-receiving was just brilliant.
The whole 9-15 was a thing of beauty and the fact that all players are both attacking threats and defend well meant some of the issues under-mining us in recent games were sorted.
Both Burke and Malins added a real threat and level of skill that's been missing but what made it tick was the whole unit working together. Hartley and Tompkins both acting as distributors as well as taking on the line and both wingers looking for work. A couple of Hartley's miss passes were sublime. Great work from Bracken as well.
Also the joy of having players who made breaks having support all around them.
Great stuff from the forwards to. Earl had a massive shift with some really key moments.
It's genuinely hard to tell how good a performance that was given the injuries and performance of the opposition but it was hugely encouraging.
In some ways Tigers next week will be the perfect test as they are both a very good attacking and defensive team.
The huge question is whether that team will be backed again. There is no real reason beyond BS internal politics that it shouldn't but I'll wait and see with interest.
With respect to Caluori there was only one M of the Match and that was Malins. That was different level. Shaky first few minutes but then showed the value of rugby brain and skills.
His running counter-attack off MacFarland kick-receiving was just brilliant.
The whole 9-15 was a thing of beauty and the fact that all players are both attacking threats and defend well meant some of the issues under-mining us in recent games were sorted.
Both Burke and Malins added a real threat and level of skill that's been missing but what made it tick was the whole unit working together. Hartley and Tompkins both acting as distributors as well as taking on the line and both wingers looking for work. A couple of Hartley's miss passes were sublime. Great work from Bracken as well.
Also the joy of having players who made breaks having support all around them.
Great stuff from the forwards to. Earl had a massive shift with some really key moments.
It's genuinely hard to tell how good a performance that was given the injuries and performance of the opposition but it was hugely encouraging.
In some ways Tigers next week will be the perfect test as they are both a very good attacking and defensive team.
The huge question is whether that team will be backed again. There is no real reason beyond BS internal politics that it shouldn't but I'll wait and see with interest.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: PaulHerox (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 22:40
Only shame was to see Sanderson so lost.
I don't get the feeling that the Orange's make hasty decisions and Sale have been hit hard by injuries but he looked not dissimilar to McCall shortly before he decided he'd had enough.
I don't get the feeling that the Orange's make hasty decisions and Sale have been hit hard by injuries but he looked not dissimilar to McCall shortly before he decided he'd had enough.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: AP (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2026 23:11
We've won all our matches but one (Quins) against clubs now below us; we've lost all our matches but one (Bristol) against clubs now above us (and three were losing bonus points losses).
We are home to Tigers and away to Bristol, which are both winnable, then home to Gloucs and Quins, for which we must be favourites. So the last game at Exeter may not be a formality yet.
Keep the faith!
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
We are home to Tigers and away to Bristol, which are both winnable, then home to Gloucs and Quins, for which we must be favourites. So the last game at Exeter may not be a formality yet.
Keep the faith!
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: OTsarrie (IP Logged)
Date: 20/04/2026 00:36
Loz cannot be feeling too thrilled after seeing that and I imagine Elliot may be thinking he may have dodged a bullet !
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 20/04/2026 07:16
Quote:AP
We are home to Tigers and away to Bristol, which are both winnable
...as a Bath fan, yes please!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: Happy Sarrie (IP Logged)
Date: 20/04/2026 08:17
Please can we keep the starting line up for next week. Leicester an altogether different challenge obviously but the intent shown on Sunday when the opposition are wilting was good to see.
My wife has told me that she's considering ending our marriage due to my utter obsession with rugby.
I'm begging her for one more try!
My wife has told me that she's considering ending our marriage due to my utter obsession with rugby.
I'm begging her for one more try!
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: MarkCol7 (IP Logged)
Date: 20/04/2026 08:34
I think if by some miracle we can win the next four, the final league game away at Exeter could become a shoot out for 4th
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: PaulHerox (IP Logged)
Date: 20/04/2026 09:26
Quote:Happy Sarrie
Please can we keep the starting line up for next week.
Injury aside it would be a betrayal of the players not to back them again.
If I hear any nonsense from the coaches about senior players being brought into the XV because of their big game experience I'll wonder what games they have been watching this season where that was an actual thing.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: A2O (IP Logged)
Date: 20/04/2026 09:30
Think Tigers might give you a better game next week.
Re: Sale v Saracens: please post match related comments here
Posted by: PaulHerox (IP Logged)
Date: 20/04/2026 09:47
I'm sure they will A20 and that's exactly what we need. Easy to get a bit too giddy after a score like that of which of course you had your own version v NRB.
I think our game will give us a much better idea of whether the same style and ambition can be executed under pressure.
I think our game will give us a much better idea of whether the same style and ambition can be executed under pressure.
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