Sale captain Dan Braid believes his Sharks side need to prove that they belong in the top half of the table with a strong performance against Bath on Friday.
Bath have impressed so far this season winning three matches including holding off a fight back from perennial title favourites Leicester Tigers.
Braid characterised Sharks’ performances so far as ‘solid’ but knows a victory against Bath would put a different spin on matters.
With Sale already way ahead of where they were at this time last season the mood in the squad is vastly different.
“There is a more positive feel throughout the club and the guy’s attitude has been showing through in all the games,” the New Zealander said.
Sharks have had the better of recent results against Bath winning three of the last four fixtures a run Braid is keen to see continue.
“It is pretty crucial to beat Bath at home. They’re a side who have some big boys and play to their strengths very well. The forward pack is going to be up against it,” the flanker said.
Sale have set their sights higher this season and know that they will have to be competitive against sides like Bath to reach their goals.
“We want to be at the top end of the table and we need to prove that we can mix it with the teams that are going to be there towards the business end of the season,” said Braid.
“It’s early days now but you look at Bath as going to be one of the teams vying for top spot and we need to get one over them early.”
The Sharks will be buoyed by the return of centres Sam Tuitupou and Johnny Leota who are set to be a part of the match day squad.
An intriguing sub plot to Friday’s match could see Sale’s Joe Ford facing off against both his brother, George and his father, Mike.
Mike is the Head Coach at Bath while Oldham-born George has started three matches this season and has been tipped to feature for England in their autumn internationals.
Image courtesy of Sale Sharks via YouTube, with thanks.
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