EURO CHALLENGE CUP

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Preview: Bath v Sale Sharks

Friday 25th April 2008

Missing out: Chabal is one of four internationals missing for Sale

Sale Sharks will be without their first choice back row when they take on Bath in the second European Challenge Cup semi-final at The Rec on Saturday.

Sebastien Chabal, Jason White and Magnus Lund have all failed late fitness tests and will be joined on the sidelines by England wing Mark Cueto. Despite the injuries Director of Rugby Philippe Saint Andre is able to name a strong side.

With Lee Thomas ruled out due to suspension Chris Bell partners All Black Luke McAlister in midfield with England internationals Richard Wigglesworth and Charlie Hodgson at half-back.

With captain White out Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe takes over the captaincy, and is joined in the pack by his brother Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe who packs down at number eight.

Saint Andre knows that heading to The Rec, where Bath have only lost one game this season, is going to be a challenge.

"Semi-finals are always tough but having to travel to Bath makes it all the more difficult," he said.

"They have been one of the most consistent sides in the Premiership this season and won all six games in the group stages of this competition."

Bath are able to field nine full internationals in a strong looking side, including South African fly-half Butch James and his fellow countryman Michael Claassens.

James' inclusion at fly-half means England international Olly Barkley, who had legal proceedings against him dropped this week, moves to inside centre and will partner Alex Crockett in midfield.

The second row pairing consists of formidable England duo Danny Grewcock and Steve Borthwick, both looking to make it third time lucky having lost in two previous Challenge Cup finals.

The winners of Saturday's game will take their place in the final against the winners of Friday's semi-final between Newcastle and Worcester.

The Teams:

Bath: 15 Nick Abendanon, 14 Andrew Higgins, 13 Alex Crockett, 12 Olly Barkley, 11 Matt Banahan, 10 Butch James, 9 Michael Claassens, 8 Chris Goodman, 7 Michael Lipman, 6 Jonny Faamatuainu, 5 Danny Grewcock, 4 Steve Borthwick (c), 3 Matt Stevens, 2 Lee Mears, 1 David Barnes.
Replacements: 16 Pieter Dixon, 17 Duncan Bell, 18 Peter Short, 19 Zak Feaunati, 20 Mike Baxter, 21 Shaun Berne, 22 Tom Cheeseman.

Sale Sharks: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Mayor, 13 Chris Bell, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Oriol Ripol, 10 Charlie Hodgson, 9 Richard Wigglesworth, 8 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, 7 Chris Jones, 6 Sean Cox, 5 Dean Schofield, 4 Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe (c), 3 Stuart Turner, 2 Sebastien Bruno, 1 Andrew Sheridan.
Replacements: 16 Neil Briggs, 17 Eifion Roberts, 18 Lionel Faure, 19 Brent Cockbain, 20 Michael Hills, 21 Will Cliff, 22 Julien Laharrague.

Date: Saturday 26 April, 2008
Kick-off: 12:30 BST (11:30 GMT)
Venue: The Rec
Referee: Christophe Berdos (France)