Sale Sharks v Newcastle Red Bulls: Five takeaways as England wing ‘sends a message’ and all aboard the Ben Bamber bandwagon
Tom Roebuck and Luke Cowan-Dickie both scored for Sale Sharks.
Following a ruthless 57-5 victory for Sale Sharks over Newcastle Red Bulls on Friday, here’s our five takeaways from the Prem clash at CorpAcq Stadium.
The top line
It was about as dominant as it gets as Sale put their foot to the floor in this nine-try success that takes them top of the Prem standings ahead of Saturday’s matches.
Tries from Rob du Preez, Tom Roebuck (3), Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ernst van Rhyn, Arron Reed (2) and Nathan Jibulu saw the Sharks motor to a bonus-point success.
George Ford landed six conversions while for Newcastle their only positive from this big loss was the sight of Elliott Obatoyinbo scoring early in the second period.
Gulf in class
There really was and it’s concerning for Newcastle even at this early point in the campaign as they sit rooted to the foot of the standings after three straight defeats.
While they have some decent signings still to arrive in camp, it does feel like a long season awaits the Red Bulls as that is now 39, 38 and 57 points leaked thus far.
They desperately need a win of any kind to turn the tide and October doesn’t get much easier too as a bolstered Saints and Harlequins await in the coming weeks.
Roebuck message
Many have named their England XV for the autumn and it is surprising that Roebuck’s name hasn’t featured prominently as he continues to progress as a Test wing.
The consistent finisher was in the thick of the action all night and his hat-trick demonstrated what an intelligent and ruthless player he is as he really caught the eye.
Roebuck has an ability to slice through holes at will, showing silkiness and speed that catches defences off guard, while he is also deceptively powerful in the carry.
He has certainly sent a message to England head coach Steve Borthwick with this performance as he backed up solid Americas tour form in perfect style tonight.
Hooking luxury
Lion Cowan-Dickie made his return to club action tonight and was clearly keen to impress and did just that with a try-scoring showing, albeit soured by a yellow card.
All in all though it was a solid comeback fixture, but once again the hulking Jibulu was box office for Sale as he picked up a third consecutive crossing for his new club.
The 22-year-old already looks an inspired signing for the Sharks as his pace, strength and ability to make metres post contact gives Sale two excellent hooking options.
Impressive lock
In his post-match interview, Sale Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson waxed lyrical over second-row Ben Bamber after another superb shift in the engine room.
“I love Ben Bamber,” was how he signed off and it’s easy to see why as he boasts all the attributes of the modern day lock and could well have a big future at Test level.
Bamber is a real presence in the tight but couples that with lovely hands and athleticism around the field. Keep an eye on this former rugby league player’s progress.
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