Yarde setting sights on England call-up
THERE was one point earlier this year when Marland Yarde feared he may never play again.
Now, he is hoping to spearhead Sale Sharks’ Heineken Cup challenge and show that he still has what it takes to win back his England place.
Almost a year ago to the day, the winger suffered a horrific knee injury playing for Sale against Newcastle, dislocating and rupturing his knee ligaments.
Not only were his hopes of going to the World Cup in Japan with England dashed, but he was also initially given a 50-50 chance of even strapping on a pair of boots again.
However, after an operation and gruelling recovery regime, he is back in action.
And not only that, he will start today’s Heineken Cup game against Exeter at a sold-out AJ Bell Stadium ahead of Denny Solomona and Byron McGuigan.
Although he isn’t looking too far ahead, an England recall is something in his sights.
“It came down to toughness and mental determination and, rather than keep looking back, I am focusing on what is to come,” said the 27-year-old.
We have built such a competitive squad that it is a challenge to get into the team
“I am really excited about this season and expect to get back to the level I was before to put myself in the shop window.
“I want to play for England again but I cannot look too far ahead because it is a huge challenge getting into the Sale team as one of four international wings in the squad. “There is no point in trying to jump over too many hurdles too quickly and I know it will take time
Sale’s Marland Yarde
to get back to where I was, but I am determined to get there.”
The AJ Bell Stadium is an 11,500sell-out for today’s clash, such is the increased interest in the sport since the World Cup.
Sale’s new owners have ploughed plenty of cash into the squad in a bid to make them contenders both domestically and in Europe.
And it doesn’t get much bigger than a visit from an Exeter side who are one of the best in the country.
After one win and one defeat, Sale sit second in Pool 2, five points behind the Chiefs, who have won both their games.
“Consistency is the key for us,” Yarde says.
“We have built such a competitive squad that it is a challenge to get into the team but now it is about winning games.
“We need to beat Exeter to keep our quarter-final dream alive.
“We know how difficult it will be because they have been at the top for a few years but, if we perform at the level we can, we can win. We will be up for it.”