Sale Sharks vs Northampton Saints predictions for Sunday Gallagher Premiership Rugby tie. The highly anticipated Gallagher Premiership rugby season opener is upon us, and what a clash we have in store! The formidable Sale Sharks will take on the resurgent Northampton Saints in what promises to be a thrilling contest. Read on for our free Rugby Gallagher Premiership predictions and betting tips.
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Match Live Sunday, 15th October at 1:30 pm In:
Sale Sharks vs Northampton Saints Predictions
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Gallagher Premiership’s Epic Opener
Key Stats
– Alex Moon of Northampton completed a staggering 245 tackles – the highest in the league.
– Sale Sharks’ defensive prowess was evident with a dominant tackle rate of 8.1%.
Sale Sharks are fielding an impressive starting line-up with Carpenter spearheading the team alongside notable names like Roebuck, S James, Bedlow, and the dynamic trio of R du Preez, JL du Preez, and D du Preez. On the bench, players like Caine, Harrison, and Wiese await their opportunity to make an impact.
On the flip side, Northampton Saints will be without George Furbank due to injury, allowing George Hendy a golden opportunity to shine. Key players such as Freeman, Dingwall, Ramm, and F Smith will be crucial for the Saints, with the experienced E Waller and Davidson bolstering the forward pack.
The Masterminds Speak
Alex Sanderson, Sale Sharks’ director of rugby, stressed the importance of starting the season on the right foot. He highlighted the potent attacking prowess of the Saints, indicating that the Sharks would have to raise their defensive game. Sanderson’s emphasis on continuous improvement despite past successes underlines his drive and ambition.
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Saints’ head coach, Sam Vesty, holds the Sale team in high regard, acknowledging their defensive tenacity and ball-carrying aggression. He hinted at the rigorous challenge awaiting his squad, emphasising the quality of the competition in the Gallagher Premiership.
Dive into the Statistics
Sale Sharks’ Joe Carpenter was a standout performer last season, clocking a whopping 1,249 metres – a feat unmatched by any other player. Not to be overshadowed, Tom Roebuck finished second in tries, while Gus Warr showcased his kicking prowess with 157 kicks, retaining an impressive 15% of them.
Defensively, Sale Sharks set the standard, boasting a dominant tackle rate of 8.1%. They also stifled their opposition effectively, keeping their gainline success to a mere 39%.
On the other hand, Northampton’s Alex Moon was a tackling machine, completing 245 tackles – the highest in the league. Offensively, the Saints were a force to reckon with, averaging 4.1 tries per 80 minutes. However, defensively, they’ll have to be cautious, having conceded an average of 4.3 tries per 80 minutes last season. George Hendy’s recent performances have been commendable, leading in metres made in the Premiership Rugby Cup.
Predictions and Insights
- Winner with Handicap Market: Given the contrasting form of both teams and their recent performance stats, betting on Sale Sharks with a -10 handicap seems logical. The Sharks’ defensive stats have been impeccable, and given Northampton’s high concede rate, there’s value here. The Sharks’ tackle dominance combined with their stellar defensive record makes them favourites.
- Tryscorer Prediction: Based on last season’s statistics, Joe Carpenter of Sale Sharks is a prime candidate. Amassing over 1,249 metres and scoring seven tries, his form is hard to overlook. For Northampton, George Hendy’s recent form suggests he could be their key man in breaching the Sharks’ defence.
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