By Charlie Elliott
Sale Sharks face Gloucester on Friday night following a mixed first couple of matches for both sides in the Gallagher Premiership, with Sale having already received numerous injury setbacks.
Both teams have won one and lost one so far this season, with Gloucester coming off the back of a classic 44-41 victory against Bristol, whilst Sale lost 45-26 to Saracens in a scoreline that did not do them justice.
Regarding the quad injury that saw fly-half George Ford come off on Saturday after only seven minutes, Sharks’ Director of Rugby issued an update:
“He went for a scan late last night (Monday), and we will get the results later tonight.”
It was also made clear that there was nothing concrete about the issue yet and that he is still hoping for a positive outcome.
Elsewhere, Sanderson stated that Jean-Luc du Preez is still serving his 12-day concussion protocol and that Ben Curry and Arron Reed are in similar situations. Adding to this he spoke about how important player safety is and that there is no point risking somebody who may not be fully fit.
Another injury for the Sharks is that of Tom Curry, who’s injury has been described as a “Grade 3 hamstring injury”.
When asked about Ford’s replacement, Sanderson was quick to brush off suggestions of shuffling the current lineup around, and instead focused on the qualities of the young Tom Curtis.
“He looks ready. He has got a good head on his shoulders and has been learning from George (Ford).
“It’s a sign of how much confidence we have with him to bring him on against Quins when it is a one-point game. Even though his strengths are around the ruck and speed and delivery he’s got the decision-making prowess.”
He was also described being ‘likely to be involved’ for Friday’s game against Gloucester.
Despite the issues regarding injuries, Sanderson stayed upbeat, especially when talking about the contract situations regarding players nearing the end of theirs.
“George’s contract is up for renewal at Christmas, up for negotiation up until the World Cup, and there are positive tones.
“Ben Curry is signed up, Tom Curry we obviously want to re-sign. Want him to come from a strong position, then it’s a fair negotiation.”
He also added that it is a similar story with the currently absent Jonny Hill, and that he wants Hill to put some good performances together to be able to offer a fair contract reflective of his ability.
There was also some added confidence that hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie is not far off an England recall, and that he has a meeting lined up with Steve Borthwick to discuss certain players. He also described Luke as “Getting better and better”.
Reflecting on the defeat to Saracens on Saturday, the Sale Director of Rugby remained positive.
“Didn’t feel like a 20 point game. Certainly wasn’t reflective of the effort the lads put in. Discipline was the main issue, not giving good teams massive opportunities.
“How we responded when we conceded was really good, how we responded when we scored was pretty poor. We have to make sure you don’t take that collective breath and relax and stay on task.”
Referencing the start of the season in general, Sanderspn had plenty to say both positively and negatively:
“We weren’t happy with our attacking against Quins but to limit them to less than 200 metres on the gain line has never been done before against quins in the history of statistics
“We left tries begging out there against Saracens, and they are a good defensive team Really happy with certain aspects of our attack, our intent like always it’s about piecing things together. The less changes we have the easier it is for cohesion.
Talking about these changes in greater detail, there was a clear sense of trust that is being put into the fringe players to make a difference:
“I have full confidence in the depth and strength of the squad. The calibre of players that are coming in, I’m excited about the lads coming in.”
There was also a reference to how these players conduct themselves, with it being described as there being a “Next one up” mentality within the squad.
Looking forward to the game against Gloucester, Sanderson spoke about opposition Head Coach George Skivington and his style of play.
“He’s going to change the brand and style of rugby that Gloucester will play, have a go and roll the dice, he did that and it paid off on Friday.
“Lots of tries scored and some jeopardy. Not a game for rugby purists but one for the neutral.”
He also showed admiration for the way they “Stick to their guns” but also acknowledges that it can be considered a “risky approach at times”.