Director of rugby Chris Boyd has made three changes to his starting XV for Northampton Saints’ trip to the AJ Bell Stadium this Saturday to face Sale Sharks.
The men in Black, Green and Gold head to Manchester with four wins in their previous five matches in all competitions, having soundly beaten Wasps on their return to Gallagher Premiership action last time out.
And Luther Burrell brings up a special milestone as he comes into the side to make his 150th appearance in the Black, Green and Gold jersey.
Tighthead prop Paul Hill starts in the front row for the first time in the league this season, joining captain Alex Waller and hooker James Fish.
Alex Moon continues in the engine room after another impressive display last weekend, but Fijian lock Api Ratuniyarawa comes in to round off the tight five.
Meanwhile flankers Tom Wood and Lewis Ludlam – the latter of whom signed a new contract at Franklin’s Gardens this week – will play either side of No.8 Teimana Harrison to complete the pack.
Saints’ backline is largely unchanged with last weekend’s man-of-the-match Taqele Naiyaravoro keeping his place on the wing and George Furbank selected at fullback.
After both scoring tries against Wasps, Andrew Kellaway and Fraser Dingwall line up again for Northampton.
Burrell starts at inside centre in the only backs change, while James Grayson and Cobus Reinach will look to control proceedings from the half-back berths.
Amongst the replacements there are three more changes of personnel as Francois van Wyk returns to the matchday squad to cover the front row alongside Reece Marshall and Ben Franks, plus Dom Barrow and Mitch Eadie will look to make an impact off the bench.
Tickets are now available for Northampton Saints' next home match – with the men in Black, Green and Gold hosting Newcastle Falcons at Franklin's Gardens – starting from £28 for adults and a special price of just £1 for juniors. Buy now by CLICKING HERE.
SALE SHARKS v NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Round Eight
Saturday 24 November, 2018
AJ Bell Stadium
Kick-off: 1pm
15 George Furbank
14 Andrew Kellaway
13 Fraser Dingwall
12 Luther Burrell
11 Taqele Naiyaravoro
10 James Grayson
9 Cobus Reinach
1 Alex Waller (c)
2 James Fish
3 Paul Hill
4 Api Ratuniyarawa
5 Alex Moon
6 Tom Wood
7 Lewis Ludlam
8 Teimana Harrison
Replacements:
16 Reece Marshall
17 Francois van Wyk
18 Ben Franks
19 Dom Barrow
20 Mitch Eadie
21 Jamie Gibson
22 Alex Mitchell
23 Ollie Sleightholme
Not available for selection:
Ken Pisi (shoulder), Nafi Tuitavake (neck), Andy Symons (knee), Jamal Ford-Robinson (knee), Harry Mallinder (knee), James Haskell (ankle), Heinrich Brüssow (concussion), James Craig (concussion), Tom Emery (shoulder), Ehren Painter (back), Mikey Haywood (knee) and Tom Collins (eye).
