Exeter Chiefs Face Off Against Sale Sharks: Team News
Alex Sanderson has named a strong Sale Sharks squad for the trip to Exeter Chiefs on Saturday. Kick-off is at 3.05pm and the match is live on TNT Sports.
Team news and selection
Team News sees two changes from the side that beat Bristol Bears in the final Premiership Rugby Cup game. Sanderson has retained the same pack that started at Ashton Gate.
Raffi Quirke returns after England duty. Centre Marius Louw also comes back into the starting line-up.
Forward pack
Si McIntyre and James Harper anchor the front row. Nathan Jibulu starts at hooker and will look to impress.
Ernst van Rhyn captains the team from the second row. He pairs with Ben Bamber for the engine room.
The back row is made up of Jacques Vermeulen, Sam Dugdale and Dan du Preez. Sanderson opted for continuity in the forwards.
Backline
Raffi Quirke wears nine and Rob du Preez is at ten. The midfield contains Rekeiti Ma’asi-White and Marius Louw.
A dynamic back three of Tom O’Flaherty, Arron Reed and Joe Carpenter completes the starting XV. They bring pace and finishing threat.
Starting XV
- 15 Joe Carpenter
- 14 Tom O’Flaherty
- 13 Marius Louw
- 12 Rekeiti Ma’asi-White
- 11 Arron Reed
- 10 Rob du Preez
- 9 Raffi Quirke
- 1 Si McIntyre
- 2 Nathan Jibulu
- 3 James Harper
- 4 Ernst van Rhyn (c)
- 5 Ben Bamber
- 6 Jacques Vermeulen
- 7 Sam Dugdale
- 8 Dan du Preez
Replacements
- 16 Ethan Caine
- 17 Ralph McEachran
- 18 WillGriff John
- 19 Jos Gilmore
- 20 Reuben Logan
- 21 Gus Warr
- 22 Ollie Davies
- 23 Alex Wills
Match context
The fixture pits Exeter Chiefs against Sale Sharks in a Premiership encounter. Sale aim to build on their cup victory at Ashton Gate.
Quirke’s return adds international experience to the side. Sanderson’s selection balances stability and fresh options off the bench.
Filmogaz.com will monitor team developments and match coverage ahead of kick-off.
