Sale Sharks VS Saracens Preview

Sale Sharks looking for a win at home against Saracens

SALE Sharks are returning to the Aviva Premiership to face the reigning Champions, Saracens.

The Sharks, who are currently fifth in the Premiership table, haven’t won on their last two Aviva Premiership games at the AJ Bell Stadium, so will be looking to put that right on Sunday.

Sale face Saracens in the wake of a 26-11 defeat to Bristol in the Anglo-Welsh Cup, but the squad are keen to get back on track.

In the past five meetings between the two sides, Sale’s only victory came in February 2015, thanks to tries from Jonathan Mills and Sam Tuitupou, but Saracens’ last visit to the AJ Bell Stadium ended in a 36-36 draw.

In the past five games between Sale and Saracens, Sale’s only victory came in February 2015, thanks to tries from Jonathan Mills and Sam Tuitupou, but Saracens’ last visit to the AJ Bell Stadium ended in a 36-36 draw.

Last Time Out | We take a look back at Saracens last trip to @SaleSharksRugby where both sides shared the spoils in a 36-36 draw… pic.twitter.com/r44dJwz643

— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) November 16, 2016

Speaking of the tough challenge the squad will face this time around, Sharks forward, Josh Beaumont warned that the visitors are missing key players through injury or England duty.

“Saracens are a tough team with such a big squad full of international players, we know we’re going to have to work hard for it. I’d say we can definitely outwork them, we’ve beaten them before at home, but I fully believe that we can get the result.”

Andrew Jackson will take charge of his first ever Aviva Premiership Rugby match on Sunday as Sale Sharks host champions Saracens at AJ Bell

— Colin Garrett (@cheekycol) November 16, 2016

In the last few games the Sharks have had players making their debuts such as Tom and Ben Curry, Lou Reed and rugby league transfer Josh Charnley.

Beaumont gave his thoughts on advice he could give to the younger players of the squad, since his appearance for England RFU:

“When training with the England squad I feel like I’ve improved, I’ve certainly learned a lot and I hope to bring that back to Sale. We have all come up through the academy system. I was in their shoes 3 years ago, so it’s about taking your opportunities when you can.”

Ahead of the game, Director of Rugby Steve Diamond said: “Saracens are the best side in the world. They are well run, well managed, and well coached, plus they look to be a good set of lads. They win most of their games so it’ll be a tough outing for us. I think, as we are a better side than we were last year, but so are they. We are playing top opposition, and we usually raise our game for these games.”