Exclusive by David Aspinall and Dan Windham
Sale Sharks’ tireless preparations for the new season will ensure a flying start and help avoid a repeat of last year’s disappointment according to inside centre Sam Tuitupou.
Despite qualifying for the Heineken Cup and securing the signing of Danny Cipriani, the Sharks endured a tumultuous and, ultimately disappointing, campaign.
However, MM caught up with some of the Sharks’ biggest stars who believe that this season will prove to be far more fruitful.
Inside centre Sammy Tuitupou told MM: “We started our preparations for the new season much earlier this year, we’ve been working for two to three months practicing our skills and making the most out of the warm up games in preparation for the season.”
“Last year we didn’t start well and had an awful first ten games so it’s really important for us to get that winning mentality early on in the season.”
While the Sharks spent the majority of last season floundering in the relegation places a late season flurry spared them the drop.
Despite last season’s worries Tuitupou is adamant the influx of quality acquisitions into the team and the leadership of new captain Dan Braid will put Sale in a good position going forward.
The New-Zealander explained: “We’ve brought a few new boys in to add a new dimension to the team. The Welsh lads have fitted in really well, putting in the hard graft and getting down good patterns early in the season.
“Giving up the captaincy was a massive weight off my shoulders and one less thing to worry about. Braid brings a lot of leadership into the team but there are a lot of other leaders out there on the pitch.
“It just means that I can focus on my own game a bit more.” Tuitupou concluded.
The Sharks enjoyed a tremendous victory against Gloucester last week and they head into their first home game of the Aviva Premiership season against Newcastle hoping to carry on with the winning ways.
Newcastle were soundly beaten 0-21 at home to Bath last weekend but have only lost one of their previous 19 away matches.
Sale’s Mark Cueto told MM: “Newcastle have only had one game back in the Premiership and the previous 19 were in the Championship so this is a completely different challenge for them.
“However, we know they will be well-drilled as they are coached by Dean Richards and Graham Steadman.”
Friday’s showdown also carries the added subplot of being new signing Michael Paterson’s first game at the Salford City Stadium and he is relishing the opportunity to build on last week’s victory.
“It’s the first home game of the season and I’m looking forward to getting my first chance in front of the home fans,” he said.
“We are looking to push on from last week’s win over Gloucester, but Newcastle will be tough.”
Image courtesy of Sale Sharks via Youtube, with thanks.
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