2020-21 Premiership Rugby – Sale Sharks vs Bristol Bears Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Sale Sharks vs Bristol Bears taking place? Friday 28th May, 2021 – 19:45 (UK)
Where is Sale Sharks vs Bristol Bears taking place? AJ Bell Stadium, Eccles
Where can I get tickets for Sale Sharks vs Bristol Bears? Check official club websites for information about purchasing tickets
What television channel is Sale Sharks vs Bristol Bears on? BT Sport have the rights to televise Gallagher Premiership matches so it is worth checking their schedule
Where can I stream Sale Sharks vs Bristol Bears? If televised on BT Sport, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the BT Sport website & app
THE TEAM NEWS
Sale Sharks: 15 Luke James, 14 Byron McGuigan, 13 Sam James, 12 Connor Doherty, 11 Marland Yarde, 10 AJ MacGinty, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Tom Curry (c), 6 Ben Curry, 5 Jean-Luc du Preez, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Bevan Rodd
Replacements: 16 Curtis Langdon, 17 Valery Morozov, 18 James Harper, 19 James Phillips, 20 Cameron Neild, 21 Raffi Quirke, 22 Robert du Preez, 23 Manu Tuilagi
Bristol: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Luke Morahan, 13 Semi Radradra, 12 Piers O’Conor, 11 Max Malins, 10 Callum Sheedy, 9 Andy Uren, 8 Nathan Hughes, 7 Ben Earl, 6 Fitz Harding, 5 Chris Vui (c), 4 Dave Attwood, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Jake Kerr, 1 Jake Woolmore
Replacements: 16 Harry Thacker, 17 Yann Thomas, 18 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 19 Ed Holmes, 20 Jake Heenan, 21 Tom Kessell, 22 Ioan Lloyd, 23 Siale Piutau
THE PREDICTION
Since losing to La Rochelle in the Champions Cup quarter-finals Sale Sharks have gone on a rampant run of late-season form in the Premiership, winning each of their last four games. 12 points separates the hosts here with visiting leaders Bristol Bears, who arrive off the back of a thumping 39-7 win at home to Gloucester on Monday that leaves them within one win of securing first place ahead of the play-offs. Sale’s form makes this a terribly tough result to call and Bristol would not be the first champions to stutter at the second-to-last hurdle if they lost on Friday night. It could be worth leaving this one alone as it could come down to the solitary point but take the away side to just scrape through what should be a thoroughly enjoyable match. Alternatively, take this to see over 40 points and leave it there.
