‘Taming Bears will heal hurt of Gloucester loss’

SALE Sharks back Byron McGuigan insists his side are determined to quash any lingering disappointment from their opening day defeat with victory at Bristol Bears.

Steve Diamond’s men – tipped to shine in the Gallagher Premiership after four wins from four in the Premiership Rugby Cup – succumbed to 18-16 defeat at the hands of Gloucester in round one.

Sharks looked back to their best at the Madejski Stadium last time out, cruising to a six-try success over Premiership newcomers London Irish to get back on track.

But Scotland international McGuigan insists they are still feeling the pain of opening defeat and are eager to get their first win on the road at Ashton Gate tonight.

And the 30-year-old believes their strength in depth – aided this week by the return of World Cup absentees AJ MacGinty and Valery Morozov – could be key to their fortunes.

“There’s still a lot of hurt from the Gloucester game,” he said. “We felt we were in control and let that one slip.

“Bristol are a really good team and very threatening with the ball in hand so it’s going to be a tough game.

“But with the players we’ve recruited we feel as though we can now put a lot of emphasis on getting results away from home as well as at the AJ Bell Stadium.

“It’s great to have the lads back from the World Cup as well.

“They’ve brought a lot of energy to the camp and some fresh ideas, so it’s been a big boost for the team.”

Sale’s strength in depth, aided by the return from World Cup duty of the US’s MacGinty and Russia’s Morozov, could be key to their fortunes tonight.

England winger Marland Yarde was a key factor in the win over Irish, notching his first try since returning after a year out with a serious knee injury.

Serial try-scorer Yarde was happy to get back in the habit last weekend but claimed it’s the confidence his side will take into Bristol that was most pleasing.

He said: “It was good to be able to contribute to the win and it helps with my confidence.

“But it’s all about the bigger picture and we just want to build momentum now.”