News from Oriol Ripol
Sale Sharks v Northampton Saints Preview
Wed 25th Jan 06 - 11:09
On Saturday afternoon Edgeley Park sees a return to Premiership action as Sale Sharks take on Northampton Saints. Both clubs suffered morale sapping home defeats in the Powergen Cup quarter finals last weekend and both will be determined to return to winning ways today to put their seasons back on track.
Both sides will be at full strength on Saturday and in every area of the field we can look forward to some monumental head to head battles that will determine the eventual winners of today's game.
In the engine room of the forwards Saints' England hooker Steve Thomson will face either his rival for the England spot, Shark's Andy Titterrall, or his likely French opposite number in the 6 Nations, Shark's Sebastian Bruno, whilst in the back row the battle of the overseas enforcers, Sebastian Chabal and Corne Krige will set an uncompromising tone for what is certain to be a no holds barred physical confrontation.
In the backs, the crowd will be privileged to see two of the world's best full backs in the match-up between Sharks and England Captain Jason Robinson and Saint's All Black hero Bruce Reihana, whilst Mark Cueto vs Ben Cohen will be a match within a match as both seek to take the opportunity to convince the watching England Coach Andy Robinson that they are the Country's Number One wing choice. It is possible that we may also see a Sharks debut for ex Saintsman Oriol Ripol, dubbed the 'Spanish Jason Robinson' during his time at Northampton for his lightening pace and ability to run in tries from the unlikeliest of positions.
Today is also a rematch of one of the most exciting games ever seen at Edgeley Park - Sharks first game at their new home last season when a then record crowd of 8000 revelled in a thrill a minute 37-37 draw, Saints coming back from the dead to snatch a share of the points with the last kick of the game.
Earlier this season Sharks went to Northampton and recorded a tremendous 23-6 victory, the highlight coming in the final minute with an interception try saw Mark Cueto burn off the entire Northampton team in 97 metre dash to the try line at the culmination of a match of such ferocity that one national newspaper ran the headline ‘Sharks heroes last men standing after carnage at the Gardens'. Commenting on the levels of intensity being witnessed in Premiership Rugby at the moment, Sharks Chief executive Niels de Vos said ‘Expect both sides to be really fired up for Saturday's game, and as you enjoy the game from the safety of the stands take a moment to reflect on the unbelievable combinations of speed, strength and raw courage it takes to be a world class rugby player in the modern game.
It is contests like today that remind all fans of precisely why Premiership Rugby is enjoying such unprecedented growth in crowds, with world class international stars in every area of the field joining battle in a contest that will be played at almost Test Match intensity. To be able to watch games of this type is a privilege for any fan of top class sport. I would urge anyone who enjoys world class sport to drop any plans they have for this Saturday afternoon and get themselves down to Stockport. Tickets are still available for the game from just £17 with family tickets from just £26. Book online at www.salesharks.com, by phone on 08712 220120 or in person on the day of the game at the Edgeley Park ticket office