Harlequins ‘not very gracious’ in victory, claims Sale boss
Sale Sharks boss Alex Sanderson has fanned the flames ahead of Friday’s huge clash against Harlequins, claiming the Londoners are ungracious when they win.
Third take on fourth at the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford this weekend as two title challengers look to boost their prospects of a home semi-final.
Although Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs are favourites to take the top two spots, Sale and Quins could put themselves in a position to snatch a home game in the last-four.
The Sharks are in the best place, with them five points behind Exeter and with a clash against the Chiefs to come in their final match.
A victory for the Greater Manchester outfit could therefore set up a huge encounter at Sandy Park and Sanderson is desperate to get one over on Quins.
Having previously been at Saracens for 17 years as a player and a coach before becoming Sale’s boss, the director of rugby knows the rivalry between the two London clubs.
North v south divide
“I don’t want to make it personal. Maybe it’s because I have been a London rival for so many years and have been on the wrong end of a couple of results, but they are a side that let you know it when they do win,” he said.
“They are not very gracious in victory. It felt like that down there and it’s always nice to inject a bit of animosity in that north v south divide.”
Since the departure of Paul Gustard, Harlequins have been one of the most potent attacking sides in the Premiership and Sanderson knows the quality they will face on Friday.
“They are probably the most dangerous team on turnover ball and the statistics show they are the second-most devastating team in terms of metres made – second only to Bristol. It is similar threats to the ones Bristol posed to us last Friday night with more unpredictability,” he said.
The game will also mark Manu Tuilagi’s second match since returning from an eight-month absence and Sale’s boss believes the England player can get back to his best.
“It’s brilliant to have him back and I believe he has still got his best rugby in him,” he added.