Danny Cipriani’s return to the Sale squad to face a winless Wasps has been given extra attention as the club’s director of rugby says he hopes the player makes his mark on the pitch this season.
After a summer where Cipriani’s name was more likely to appear in the gossip columns, Steve Diamond hopes Cipriani will be able to put the latest dramas in his life behind him come game time against his old club.
“I’ve coined the phrase ‘let’s see him on the back pages, not the front pages’,” Diamond said.
“He’s knuckled down and what goes on in his private life is up to him, though I do think things were sensationalised over the summer.
“He’s a brilliant player and with the possession we’ve been getting so far this season, hopefully he can convert some of that.”
Cipriani played for England in 2008 but has not appeared on the international scene since and he was hit by a bus in April.
“He’s trained well and he is a game changer and if we need that skill set from the bench then we’ve got him in place,” said Diamond.
Other than Cipriani the Sharks have made four changes to the starting line-up with three coming up front.
Ross Harrison and Tommy Taylor move into the front row to replace Eifion Lewis Roberts and Marc Jones with Russian Kirill Kulemin slotting into the second row.
Rob Miller moves onto the wing at the expense of Phil MacKenzie with Tom Arscott retaining his spot at full back.
Former Sale lock Kearnann Myall will make his debut for Wasps who will be hoping to win at Sale for the first time since 2005.
Visiting coach Dai Young has bolstered his forward pack expecting a tough game on Friday.
“Their approach is probably a little more conservative [than last year] and they have significantly upped their physicality,” he said.
“They have a big pack and a well organised driving lineout. That type of forward orientated game which looks to strangle your game to force penalties is what we are expecting and we’ve got to be ready for it.”
Along with Myall, veteran Italian hooker Carlo Festuccia will also be making his debut for the High Wycombe-based club, while in the backs Ben Jacobs and Charlie Davies have been promoted to the starting line-up for Wasps after strong performances as substitutes last week.
Image courtesy of Sale Sharks via YouTube, with thanks
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