Sale boss looking for Sharks to bite!

WITH Sale Sharks lingering in eighth in the Gallagher Premiership, Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson has pulled no punches in getting the Sharks' 'bite back' for today's game against Leicester Tigers.

- TOM JEFFREYS

Sanderson's side, hampered with injuries and an uncharacteristically liable defence, headed into the international/Premiership Cup period off the back of chastening defeats to Northampton and Bath - but this week are equipped with a new defence coach and a full-strength lineup for the first time this season.

Nine of the ten players involved in the Autumn Nations Series are in the matchday 23 - Fijian captain Waisea Nayacalevu the only one to miss out as Sanderson rewards Luke James' strong performances in the Premiership Cup.

There are also Premiership returns from injury for Bevan Rodd and Raffi Quirke.

"We are probably as strong as we have been squad wise", said Sanderson.

"Bevan looks like he's never been away, and it's a bonus that Raffi's back, the Curry's, du Preez's, the international back three we have.