SALE SHARKS
IF anybody can make do and mend after losing four players of the ability of tighthead Vadim Cobilas, hooker Tommy Taylor, flyhalf Danny Cipriani, and wing Tom Brady, then it’s Steve Diamond.
The Sharks rugby director moved sharply to fill the gaps with imported tightheads Kieran Longbottom and Halani Aulika jostling for the No.3 shirt, and he also signed 24-year-old Wigan Warriors flyer Josh Charnley to replace Brady.
With hooker Rob Webber joining from Bath, and back rower Laurence Pearce from Leicester, the Sale pack will not be short of ballast, and with captain Josh Beaumont looking to press his England claims, another top six finish is not out of the question.
Diamond also has good reason to be chuffed after landing AJ McGinty as a replacement for Cipriani. The 26-year-old Irish-American fly-half was impressive in steering Connacht to the Pro12 title last season, and although he might not hit the headlines like Cipriani, he is a steady hand – and a handy goal-kicker.
The Sharks should also be well served by two of the best veteran scrum-halves in the business, with their little and large combination of Peter Stringer and Mike Phillips.
Diamond will expect a good early return, with four of Sale’s first five games against teams who finished below them last season.