Ulster hold firm as Covid-hit Sale vow to play on
ULSTER got off to winning start ijn the Pro14 against Ravenhill last night but a dogged Treviso side pushed them hard in Ravenhill. It was the province’s 22nd straight win in their Belfast home as they continue to develop under the astute guidance of Dan McFarland but they were made to work for this victory with the game in the balance inside the last 10 minutes. Ulster had tries from James Hume, new centre Stewart Moore, Michael Lowry, hooker Adam McBurney and a typicallt robust effort from Springbok powerhouse Marcell Coetzee but Treviso can take heart from this performance, crossing for three tries of their own.
Ireland scrum-half John Cooney enjoyed a welcome return to form, looking lively behind the pack and kicking five conversions with his usual accuracy. While there is much still to work on, McFarland will be content after a positive start to the new season. Meanwhile, Sale insist their crucial Gallagher Premiership clash with Worcester tomorrow will go ahead as planned despite 16 of their players testing positive for coronavirus.
The decisive final round of regular-season fixtures has been thrown into chaos by the spread of Covid-19 through the Manchester club, with a small number of backroom staff also returning positive tests, the PA news agency understands. The fallout could affect Northampton’s trip to Gloucester, with Saints having played Sale at Franklin’s Gardens on Tuesday evening and already contending with an injury crisis at loosehead prop. However, the Sharks are planning to stage the match at the AJ Bell Stadium as scheduled, despite their squad being severely depleted, and will name their starting XV at lunchtime today. ‘Sale can confirm that their Gallagher Premiership round 22 match with Worcester Warriors, scheduled for 3pm on Sunday 4th October, will go ahead as planned,’ a statement read. ‘Although Sale Sharks have been subject to a number of positive Covid-19 tests this week, after a thorough consultation the club, its healthcare professionals and rugby management are confident the fixture can be fulfilled safely in accordance with all Covid-19 guidelines.’ The unavailability of 16 players decimates the Premiership’s smallest squad of just 32 senior professionals and hinders their ability to field a matchday 23 without academy call-ups.