"This Game is Do or Die" - Alex Sanderson previews Sale's 'must win' clash with Saints

Having played Northampton down at the cinch Stadium @ Franklin’s Gardens just before Christmas, and knowing what the opposition can do, won’t need much of a review. Phil Dowson’s side are sat happy at the top of the PREM table, so far in this campaign.

Sanderson reviews the Saints attack as; “the most dangerous in the league, with some good wingers and good centres. When they get the ball in a bit of space, they can carve anyone open.”

With a huge potential head to head on the line for England head coach Steve Borthwick, nullifying the threat of Henry Pollock will be up to none other than Tom Curry. But there are many head to heads that Sanderson likes the look of.

“We will definitely have a look at some of their better players. There is match ups all over. We have a scrum half that starts against (Alex) Mitchell, Rob du Preez at 13 if selected against (Tommy) Freeman, (Alex) Coles vs (Ben) Bamber, the one to ones are abound. You try and pull on every bit of motivation to make the most out of the group without making it just about the individual battles.”

In such a young side that went to the south of France, there was a notable selection in Marius Louw, who joined the club at the start of the season. The South African centre was rewarded the captaincy in the drubbing.

“Someone like Marius has been one of the lads that’s had to step up and step in with the injury crisis. He’s one of the ones that has stepped in for Ricky (Ma’asi-White) and has shown his worth both in the gain line with his ability to dominate that role but also as a leader.

"He was the captain of the Lions and over the course of those eight weeks, he’s done his AC (shoulder joint) and messed up his face the week before Clermont. He was in bits himself but never once was it an issue in rotating squads.

"It was an easy decision in him leading the squad by example as it communicates really well as he wears his heart on his sleeve. He’s a really well respected and appreciated member of the squad.”

With the young side that went across to Toulouse, there was an element of the players being starstruck of the likes of Antoine Dupont, Thomas Ramos and Teddy Thomas, with the admittance that "the occasion was something different for them."

Sanderson realised that the players that went can take some belief out of that performance despite the score as “Obi Ene turned Teddy Thomas inside out on that right wing, he knows he’s got that in him, so they just gain confidence and grow. Playing those galacticos you realise they’re just flesh and bone at the end of the day.”

After a fracture in his knee in the reverse fixture between the sides, Arron Reed is looking at a Scotland call up for the Six Nations. “Some whispers around them (Reed and Gus Warr) getting into the squad, which is great for Reedy as he’s another one that could be up for selection this weekend albeit limited minutes if he is.”

After announcing the signings of Welsh props Tomas Francis and Nicky Smith, Sanderson credits both on their selection for the Six Nations; especially Francis.

“I’m really happy for Tomas actually, because he’s down there in the south of France playing ProD2 (at Provence) and you can get overlooked when playing down there.

"But one of the reasons for him coming back is the World Cup (2027) and to play real top end rugby. He knew where the Welsh set up is right now he might not get that within the provincial teams in Wales.

"So, the fact that he’s involved and he’s got 80 caps, so he passes that threshold, the fact that he’s still very motivated and in the frame bodes really well for us. So of course I’ll be keeping a keen eye, as with all out boys through the tournament.”

1. Sale Sharks first‑team mainstay: Reed has come through the Sale Sharks Academy (joining at age 15) and made his senior debut in 2017, and has since racked up over 120 appearances for the club.