2020-21 Premiership Rugby – Sale Sharks vs London Irish Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Sale Sharks vs London Irish taking place? Sunday 21st March, 2021 – 15:00 (UK)
Where is Sale Sharks vs London Irish taking place? AJ Bell Stadium, Eccles
Where can I get tickets for Sale Sharks vs London Irish? Check official club websites for information about purchasing tickets
What television channel is Sale Sharks vs London Irish 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 London Irish? 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 Simon Hammersley, 14 Byron McGuigan, 13 Sam James, 12 Connor Doherty, 11 Arron Reed, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Faf de Klerk (c), 8 Jean-Luc du Preez, 7 Cameron Neild, 6 Jono Ross (c), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Josh Beaumont, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Bevan Rodd
Replacements: 16 Curtis Langdon, 17 Ross Harrison, 18 James Harper, 19 James Phillips, 20 Sam Dugdale, 21 Will Cliff, 22 AJ MacGinty, 23 Luke James
London Irish: 15 James Stokes, 14 Ben Loader, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Theo Brophy Clews, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Ben Meehan, 8 Albert Tuisue, 7 Ben Donnell, 6 Matt Rogerson (c), 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Steve Mafi, 3 Lovejoy Chawatama, 2 Agustin Creevy, 1 Will Goodrick-Clarke
Replacements: 16 Matt Cornish, 17 Facundo Gigena, 18 Ollie Hoskins, 19 George Nott, 20 Blair Cowan, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Will Joseph, 23 Tom Parton
THE PREDICTION
Sale Sharks were just edged out of a tight 17-14 result at Northampton Saints last weekend as they continue to struggle for consistency in the Premiership. They have beaten both the reigning champions Exeter Chiefs and current leaders Bristol Bears in the past few weeks and yet have won three and lost three of their last six league games to sit in fourth place ahead of this weekend’s fixtures. They should have enough to come through London Irish, who have won just one away game all season, but it could be closer than many expect here. Irish won their last match against rock-bottom Worcester by just three last-minute points with a 61-yard penalty - the longest of the season - but face a much tougher test away to Sale than the Warriors. The hosts should be able to cover -10 here but their erratic nature could make opting for a home win in a match that goes over 40 points a little safer.
