Bristol Bears Clash with Sale Sharks: Team News Revealed

In an exciting upcoming match, the Sale Sharks will face off against the Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate. The match is set to kick off at 7:45 PM and will be broadcast live on TNT Sports. This clash marks an important encounter for both teams.

Team News Ahead of the Bristol Bears Clash

Head coach Alex Sanderson has announced two key changes to the Sale Sharks lineup. Sam Dugdale and Rekeiti Ma’asi-White will return to the starting XV after recovering from injuries.

The Sharks are aiming to build on their impressive Boxing Day victory against Harlequins, where they achieved a remarkable 43-17 win. They also hope to replicate their previous success at Bristol, where they recorded a commanding 0-38 victory last season.

Sharks Starting XV

• 15. Joe Carpenter (Full-back)
• 14. Tom O’Flaherty (Right Wing)
• 13. Rob du Preez (Outside Centre)
• 12. Rekeiti Ma’asi-White (Inside Centre)
• 11. Alex Wills (Left Wing)
• 10. George Ford (Fly-half)
• 9. Raffi Quirke (Scrum-half)
• 1. Bevan Rodd (Loosehead Prop)
• 2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Hooker)
• 3. James Harper (Tighthead Prop)
• 4. Ben Bamber (Second-row)
• 5. Ernst van Rhyn (Captain, Second-row)
• 6. Jacques Vermeulen (Blindside Flanker)
• 7. Sam Dugdale (Openside Flanker)
• 8. Tom Curry (Number 8)

Replacement Bench

• 16. Nathan Jibulu (Replacement Hooker)
• 17. Si McIntyre (Replacement Prop)
• 18. Patreece Bell (Replacement Prop)
• 19. Tom Burrow (Back-row)
• 20. Jos Gilmore (Back-row)
• 21. Gus Warr (Back)
• 22. Marius Louw (Back)
• 23. Gurshwin Wehr (Back)

Current Form and Statistics

The Bristol Bears come into this match with momentum, having secured victories in their last three Gallagher Premiership games. They have not experienced four consecutive wins since April 2024. At Ashton Gate, Bristol’s only loss this year was against Leicester, with a score of 19-36.

In contrast, the Sharks have struggled on the road, facing five straight losses in away games. This marks their worst away performance since November 2018. However, Sale are optimistic, having won their last three encounters against Bristol and each of their last three visits to Ashton Gate.

This match promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams seek to solidify their standings in the Gallagher Premiership. Fans can expect an intense performance from both sides as they aim for victory.