Sale Analysis

By Lawrence Aggleton
August 31 2008

 

Head Coach: Phillippe Saint-André

EPS Players: 2 (Matthew Tait, Andrew Sheridan)

Last Season GP: 5^th

Last Season Europe: HC Group

European Group (HC): Clermont Auvergne, Munster, Montauban

Pre-Season:

@ Perpignan D

@ Montpelier L

Vs Leeds W

Vs Lyon W

First Four:

@ Newcastle

Vs Saracens

@ Bristol

Vs Gloucester

Big Outs: Ben Foden (Saints), Magnus Lund (Biarritz)

Big Ins: Dwayne Peel (Scarlets), Matthew Tait (Newcastle)

Key Man: Jason White

Sale faded out of the playoffs in the last week of the Premiership last season, but they should go one better this year. Exciting recruits in Tait and Peel will add even more fire to their back line, but much will depend on keeping their back row fit. If they can keep Jason White fit (currently injured) and if Andy Sheridan can actually start living up to his hype rather than just being a flat-track bully, their pack should be strong. Edgeley Park's always a difficult place to pick up any points, I don't see this changing.

Premiership: 3 good wins to start the season should set Sale on their way. Prediction: 4^th (Losing SF)

Europe: An evil, evil group. No joy here for Sale I'm afraid. Prediction: HC Group