Deacon asks for repeat performance from young Sale squad

SAME again. That’s the simple message for Sale Sharks ahead of tonight’s Anglo-Welsh Cup clash with Saracens at the AJ Bell Stadium, says attack coach Paul Deacon.

In tandem with academy coach Neil Briggs, Deacon was entrusted with overseeing preparations for last Friday’s Anglo-Welsh opener at Worcester where a largely inexperienced Sharks side produced a 24-21 victory.

The majority Sale squad – featuring seven debutants – who performed so well at Sixways will be given another opportunity to shine tonight.

“For us, it’s a similar message this week. The players will get another shot at it and hopefully they will take it like they did last Friday,” Deacon said.

“I think the challenge this week is can they back that performance up? I thought the scoreline probably should have been a little bit wider in our favour and the performance was good.

“It can be hard to replicate that youthful excitement and energy.

“Making your debut is a massive thing – I remember when I made mine.

“You are excited all week and nervous.

“So it’s about keeping that feeling that they had last week and bringing it again tonight.

“All the excitement for the young lads about being debutants last week has gone. They are not debutants any more and we are coming up against a very well-drilled side in Saracens.

“Looking at their AngloWelsh Cup game against Quins last Sunday and some of their A League games, they play very much like the Sarries front-liners do.

“They are a very well-drilled side, they exit well and we all know what Sarries are about so it will be a tough challenge.”