Fans return to the AJ Bell Stadium as Sale Sharks hope to confirm their play-off place

Sale Sharks host table-toppers Bristol Bears on Friday night, in a contest which sees the return of fans to the AJ Bell.

It has been 14-months since Sharks supporters last stepped inside the AJ Bell, and their return, albeit at a limited capacity, could be marked with Sharks securing their first play-off place in 15-years.

Sale sit 14-points ahead of Northampton Saints in 5^th, meaning a Sharks victory- or a Saints defeat- would be enough to book a semi-final spot.

However, the task ahead couldn’t be more difficult as Sale welcome top of the table, Bristol Bears to the North West.

Pat Lam’s side are eight-points clear of Exeter Chiefs in second and a further four points ahead of Sharks in third. With their play-off place already confirmed, a Bears win would mean their semi-final match is played at Ashton Gate.

Both teams lead the way for being the in-form sides over the last five Gallagher Premiership games: Sharks have claimed 22 points from a possible 25, with Bristol accumulating 20.

Sharks have won their last five matches at the AJ Bell, with their most recent league loss coming seven games ago in a 17-14 defeat away at Northampton.

Similarly, the visitors have only lost once in their last 12- their last defeat came at the hands of Exeter, who after a dominant first half showing, claimed a 20-12 victory on Bristol territory.

The reverse fixture saw Sharks stun the Bears to leave the South West with victory following Luke James’ try five minutes from the end. The 20-13 victory came in Alex Sanderson’s second outing as Sharks’ Director of Rugby, and since his arrival Sale have only lost once on home soil.

Sharks have been boosted by the much awaited return of Manu Tuilagi who has been named on the bench. The centre has been absent for the last eight-months after he ruptured his Achilles tendon back in September.

Ben Curry and Tom Curry have been named as starters in the back row. It will be the first time in eight-months the twins have started a game together, with international appearances and injuries restricting recent playtime.

Bears welcome a return to the bench for Harry Thacker. The hooker could make his first appearance in seven-months- his last outing came in Bristol’s European Challenge Cup final win.

The visitors have named three changes to their starting-15: Piers O’Conor starts at centre, Yann Thomas in the front row and Fitz Harding in the back row.

Bristol’s record away to Sharks isn’t pretty as they have only managed one away win in four attempts with their last victory on Sale territory coming in 2017.

With fans back in attendance, and two in-form sides going head to head, a tight but exciting game should be in store under the Salford lights.

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