As the Leicester Tigers gear up to face Sale Sharks at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, significant changes have been announced in the Sharks’ lineup. The match is scheduled for Saturday evening, with kickoff set for 5:30 PM. Fans can catch the live action on TNT Sports.
Sharks Team News Update
Head coach Alex Sanderson has implemented four personnel changes and three positional switches in the Sharks’ starting XV. This strategic move comes as the team seeks to improve their performance in the competitive league.
Key Changes in the Lineup
- Jacques Vermeulen and Rekeiti Ma’asi-White return from injury.
- Luke James is set to start at full-back.
- James Harper takes the tighthead position, prompting Asher Opoku-Fordjour to switch to loosehead prop.
- Tom O’Flaherty moves back to the wing after playing full-back in the previous round.
- Ernst van Rhyn shifts to lock, bolstering the engine room.
In addition to these adjustments, Dan du Preez returns from injury and will join the bench, providing additional depth to the squad.
Injuries Impact Squad Selection
The Sharks will miss key players due to injury. Props Bevan Rodd and Si McIntyre are unavailable, and Hyron Andrews will also be sidelined. As a result, Opoku-Fordjour will make his first start at loosehead this season.
Complete Starting XV and Replacements
The Sale Sharks have assembled a dynamic lineup to challenge Leicester. The starting XV includes:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Full-Back | Luke James |
| Wing | Tom Roebuck |
| Centre | Rob du Preez |
| Centre | Rekeiti Ma’asi-White |
| Wing | Tom O’Flaherty |
| Fly-Half | George Ford |
| Scrum-Half | Gus Warr |
| Loosehead Prop | Asher Opoku-Fordjour |
| Tighthead Prop | James Harper |
| Hooker | Luke Cowan-Dickie |
| Lock | Ernst van Rhyn © |
| Lock | Ben Bamber |
| Flanker | Jacques Vermeulen |
| Flanker | Tristan Woodman |
| Number 8 | Sam Dugdale |
The bench features a blend of young talent and seasoned players:
- Nathan Jibulu (Hooker)
- Tumy Onasanya (Prop)
- Patreece Bell (Prop)
- Tom Burrow (Forward)
- Dan du Preez (Forward)
- Raffi Quirke (Scrum-Half)
- Marius Louw
- Arron Reed
This reshuffled lineup aims to deliver a strong performance against the formidable Leicester Tigers, setting the stage for an exciting matchup on Saturday.
