WEEKEND TREBLE

AN EXPECTED Super League debut for controversial Aussie union convert Israel Folau is bound to turn the Catalan Dragons versus Castleford clash tonight into a circus.

Folau is – or certainly was – a terrific player in both codes, but has not played league for nearly a decade or union since he was sacked by Rugby Australia last May.

The chances are he could be a little rusty and Catalans may be lacking focus. Given a run of eight games without a win, a run stretching back to last August, it is worth backing an away win in Perpignan.

Castleford, who travel on the back of two wins, are worth supporting at 6-4 (Betway). Take a bit of the Castleford -8 at 3-1 (general) on the handicaps.

Sale produced something of a shock in beating Saracens at

home in the Premiership Rugby Cup last Friday, but the Sharks have found their visits to Sarries less rewarding.

In 27 attempts, stretching back to 1996, they have managed just one draw and one win – in the Premiership in 2005 – which is a miserable record.

Sarries have already accepted relegation but they are still playing for their fans. Back them to win at 11-8 (Ladbrokes), or to win by 12 or more at 13-2 (Betfred).

● Saracens to beat Sale at 11-8 (Ladbrokes), 3pm today

● Castleford to beat Catalan Dragons at 6-4 (Betway), 5pm today

● Plymouth to beat Crewe, both teams to score at 7-2 (general), 3pm today

STUART HOGG put his international woes behind him on his return to Exeter ranks last night, scoring a try in a gritty victory at Gloucester.

The new Scotland captain, right, had a nightmare start to this year’s Six Nations, failing to ground the ball for a try in their opening defeat by Ireland then making another mistake in England’s win at Murrayfield last Saturday. But the full-back crossed in the second half as the Chiefs stretched their lead at the top of the Premiership to five points. Fourth-placed Gloucester fell behind after just 10 minutes when Jacques Vermeulen crossed for Exeter. The boot of Gareth Steenson and Hogg’s try then made sure of the victory despite late Gloucester scores from Jake Polledri and Louis Rees-Zammit.