Sale Sharks are set to play Racing 92 in their second-round match of the Investec Champions Cup at Salford Community Stadium. They are preparing in their six-day turnaround from a 38-19 defeat against Glasgow Warriors in the first round.
Going forward into this weekend, Sale Sharks’ Director of Rugby, Alex Sanderson, spoke about the difficulties of preparing to face Racing, compared to Glasgow. Whilst Glasgow had patterns in their play that could be analysed in some ways, the same cannot be said for Racing.
“You’ve just got to be alive to everything and the individual threats they have. So that in itself, you know, you’ve got to expose, you want to control some of the chaos because that’s where they’re best.”
One of the ways in which they are hoping to do this is through the game makers on the field, such as George Ford, the Currys and the Du Preezes.
“It’s crucial that these guys are able to convey concise messages and actually in a way that is taken on by the players.
“And the other half of that is the players have eyes and attention on these game drivers, these leaders, when the messages are coming in. Both are really important skills to possess and both we practice during the week.”
As well as their practice on pitch, the Sharks have made a visit to the UK’s largest sauna, Fix MCR in the Northern Quarter, for recovery before a team brunch.
“It was enjoyable, you know, you’ve got to do that and them having a laugh, I’m certain, helps them recover faster on a six-day turnaround than it would if they were here and there.”
The team are also getting into the Christmas spirit as they prepare for a Santa’s Grotto on Saturday to keep spirits high and have a bit of fun, avoiding their lives being all “work hard and play hard”.
There are more players up for selection this week as those who were rested after Autumn Internationals are back into training. These players include Ben Curry, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Tom Roebuck and George Ford.
Coming back into the side, Ford is hoping to get stuck into the game once again.
“He’s driving, taking hold of it, which is where he’s best. Not on the fringes of a squad, but driving the intent, the language and the standards. So he’s come back in today and he’s very much a part of it again.
“He just felt like he was in and out and not really a consistent member of that England squad over the Autumn International, certainly not on the pitch.
“He wanted to get some games, get some form and really grab hold of something. So we facilitated that for him coming back in.”
Another player back in the squad is Jonny Hill who returned against Glasgow, following a 10-week suspension from an altercation with a Bath fan in June. Sanderson confirmed that he will be in the line-up against Racing this week as well.
“I asked him not to be a ghost. I wanted him to be involved in the meetings, so he’s been a constant kind of voice and influence on the lads. So this transition of him coming back in probably hasn’t been as difficult because he’s still been there as a presence.
“He was worried about his lungs at the weekend because I looked round at him and I could see it in his eyes. He was a little bit worried, it was 4G and all, but he said he felt good.
“He said he felt that half an hour that he was on, he felt like he could do more. So you’ll see more of him this weekend.”
Looking back on his own experiences of Champions Cups, Sanderson spoke about the two sides that made them so enjoyable.
“I love going to, like, Clermont away. You’re playing the French teams where the brass bands are playing. I love all of that. I love the atmosphere and like it’s you against thousands type of thing. It riles me that.
“I had some belting nights out after some cup wins. I think one lasted two days up to Newcastle.
“So it’s just being part of that team that generally goes up against teams with a bigger support base with more spending resources and yet, collectively as a team, you’re able to win.”
The Sale Sharks vs Racing 92 match will take place at 8pm on Friday December 13th at Salford Community Stadium.
