SALE Sharks's back row problems have been solved by the return of both Jason White and Sebastien Chabal for Sunday's game at Harlequins.
The pair missed last week's European Challenge Cup defeat to Bath through injury, meaning Sharks were down to the bare bones in the back row.
Charlie Hodgson and Chris Bell are also both fit to play despite going off injured in the 36-14 defeat at the Rec.
But Oriol Ripol was not so lucky. The Spanish wing broke his arm in that game, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
That means there is a rare start for Andy Vilk on the left wing, while Selorm Kuadey continues on the opposite side in the continued absence of Mark Cueto.
Lee Thomas is out for the rest of the campaign after his appeal against a 14-week ban was turned down, although the ban was reduced to 10 weeks.
advertisement
Harlequins make three changes from the team that lost 13-6 at London Irish two weeks ago.
England international Nick Easter is relegated to the bench, with Tom Guest coming in at number 8, Tani Fuga replaces Gary Botha at hooker and James Percival partners George Robson in the second row instead of Ollie Kohn.
The game will effectively act as a Premiership play-off decider, with the two teams battling it out for the fourth and final postseason spot.
Currently Quins are in pole position, leading Sharks by a single point and a victory either way could prove decisive.
SALE: Ben Foden; Selorm Kuadey, Chris Bell, Luke McAlister, Andy Vilk; Charlie Hodgson, Richard Wigglesworth; Andrew Sheridan, Sebastien Bruno, Stuart Turner; Chris Jones, Brent Cockbain; Jason White (capt), Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Sebastien Chabal.
Replacements: Neil Briggs, Eifion Roberts, Sean Cox, Dean Schofield, Michael Hills, Will Cliff, Matt Riley.
HARLEQUINS: Mike Brown; David Strettle, Ugo Monye, Tosh Masson, Tom Williams; Adrian Jarvis, Danny Care; Ceri Jones, Tani Fuga, Mike Ross; James Percival, George Robson; Chris Robshaw, Will Skinner (capt), Tom Guest.
Replacements: Chris Brooker, John Brooks, Jim Evans, Nick Easter, Steven So'oialo, Chris Malone, De Wet Barry.
Sale director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre: "Our physios have worked overtime this week and we are able to name a strong side for this crucial game against Harlequins.
"The return of Jason White and Seabass is a big bonus for us in a game we need to win.
"Harlequins have had an excellent season under Dean Richards and they, like us are looking to win this game to bolster their chances of a top four finish and Heineken Cup qualification."
Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards: "Although everyone associated with Harlequins knows how important this match is, the boys will be running out today in the right frame of mind.
"You have to remember that each game is only as important as the last one, something I stress both to players and supporters.
"It is all about the mind set, and we will go out there again, like every match previously, and give it our all."
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
Print
Email this
Comment
