Sale Sharks’ third straight victory in the Kings of the North tournament leaves them top of the table and needing only one point to secure the title.
Recent signings Peter Stringer, Nev Edwards and Brian Mujati made a positive impact on the Sharks’ game, while Danny Cipriani made a welcome return in the narrow 27-18 defeat of Newcastle Falcons on Friday.
Sharks’ boss Steve Diamond will be using their final match against Leicester Tigers before the start of the Aviva Premiership to help him narrow down his squad.
“I’m glad our last game of the tournament is away from home against a tough Leicester side, that will only help us going into our opening Aviva Premiership game against Saracens,” he said.
“It has been a good pre-season, a couple of the lads have come in and done relatively well and it is good to get some game time.
“Next week will help me see who will be in the final 23 come the game against Saracens,” Diamond continued.
He also praised the impact of new signing Nev Edwards, who scored two tries.
“Nev is a good find for us, he has come in and has scored five or six tries, he has just got his new contract, he is a good find.”
Diamond praised opening try-scorer Viliami Fihaki for his reaction to not making Tonga’s World Cup squad.
“He has done well in pre-season, he was disappointed not to be included and I think he has come back with a point to prove.”
Fihaki added: “I was disappointed to not be included in the Tonga squad.
“The last couple of seasons haven’t been great for me but I feel good and I want to show what I can do.
“I have a lot more to give and I want to get back in to the Tonga squad and try and push my way into the Sale starting spot,” he said.
Sharks will face Leicester Tigers at 3pm on Saturday at Welford Road.
Image courtesy of Sale Sharks via YouTube, with thanks.
