Alex Sanderson has picked his starting XV, for Sale Sharks first Premiership Final since 2006. Sharks Captain Ben Curry is out of the final, after suffering a hamstring injury in the play-offs semi-final against Leicester Tigers.
Sale Sharks Director of Rugby, Alex Sanderson during the Gallagher Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Sale Sharks at Sandy Park on 6 March 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
He’s been replaced by flanker Sam Dugdale, in what is the sides one and only change to the starting XV. On the bench there is also just one adjustment, as Dan du Preez is out of action as he must undergo surgery on a dislocated shoulder. He has been replaced by Tom Ellis, with the former Saracen excited to try and secure the league title over his old club.
Sale Sharks player Jono Ross (C) during the Gallagher Rugby Premiership game between Sale Sharks and Exeter Chiefs at JW Bell Stadium on October 3rd – PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK
Jono Ross will lead the side out for the very last time, as it has been announced that the back-rower will captain the side, before he retires at the end of the 2022/23 Premiership Season.
Sale Sharks Starting XV:
Back Three
Joe Carpenter of Sale Sharks and Tom Roebuck of Sale Sharks celebrates after winning during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Semi Final Match between Sale Sharks and Leicester Tigers at AJ Bell Stadium on 14 May 2023. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
15. Joe Carpenter
14. Tom Roebuck
11. Aaron Reed
Centres
13. Rob du Preez
12. Manu Tuilagi
Halfbacks
George Ford of Sale Sharks celebrates kicking a penalty during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Semi Final Match between Sale Sharks and Leicester Tigers at AJ Bell Stadium on 14 May 2023. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
10. George Ford
9. Gus Warr
Front Row
Akker van der Merwe of Sale Sharks during the Heineken Champions Cup Match between Bristol Bears and Sale Sharks at Ashton Gate on 15 April. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
1. Simon McIntyre
2. Akker van der Merwe
3. Nick Schonert
Locks
Jonny Hill of Sale Sharks celebrates after winning during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Semi Final Match between Sale Sharks and Leicester Tigers at AJ Bell Stadium on 14 May 2023. Photo: Frankie OKeeffe/PPAUK
4. Jean-Luc du Preez
5. Jonny Hill
Back Row
Tom Curry of Sale Sharks during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Semi Final Match between Sale Sharks and Leicester Tigers at AJ Bell Stadium on 14 May 2023. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
6. Tom Curry
7. Sam Dugdale
8. Jono Ross (C)
Replacements:
16. Ewan Ashman, 17. Bevan Rodd, 18. Coenie Oosthuizen, 19. Josh Beaumont, 20. Tom Ellis, 21. Raffi Quirke, 22. Sam James, 23. Tom O’Flaherty