Sharks out to get jump on rivals

ALEX SANDERSON has defended the play-off system and revealed Sale are taking inspiration from a double Olympic champion pole vaulter as they attempt to leap into the knockouts again.

- By Adam Hathaway

A win at struggling Exeter today will do the trick for Sharks, who have come with a late run to win five from six and earn a shot on the last day of the regular season.

Sanderson builds up to matches using a theme and this week's has been centred on the Swedish-American athlete Armand Duplantis, who won gold in Tokyo and Paris at the past two Games. Sale go in as hot favourites against an Exeter side who have nothing to play for, hence the chat about Duplantis, as Sharks head into a game that is knockout in all but name with some saying runaway leaders Bath should be given the trophy now.

Sanderson said: "We spoke a little bit around Duplantis.