Sale get in the mood for Tigers showdown

SALE warmed up for their Premiership play-off semi-final against Leicester with an impressive and fluent display against old rivals Newcastle who will be glad to see the end of this season

- BRENDAN GALLAGHER

Alex Sanderson’s team built up a nice head of steam in a performance that will leave a couple of selection dilemmas hanging in the air this week.

Raffi Quirke was a livewire at nine although you would expect Gus Warr still to start against Tigers while Sam James, not always a regular starter at centre this season, vied with Ben Curry as man of the match when he came off the bench.

James’s value to Sale is acknowledged by everybody at the club but the return from injury of George Ford has seen Rob du Preez – on the shortlist of four for Premiership player of the season – shuffle into midfield recently alongside Manu Tuilagi. Three into two doesn’t go.

There was also a minor injury worry concerning Tuilagi, who departed early in the first half with what appeared to be a deep cut to the webbing of his hand. He should heal up in time but it’s an irritation nonetheless.