Northampton Saints must meet Sale Sharks’ physically if they are to end their eight-year wait for an away victory at CorpAcq Stadium, said Craig Wright.
The powerful hooker was just 12 years old when the men in Black, Green and Gold last picked up a league win in Salford, a 12-32 success in March 2017.
After successfully booking a home Round-of-16 Investec Champions Cup knock-out game against Castres Olympique with the six match points they secured in their final Pool games against Bordeaux-Bègles and Scarlets, Saints return to Gallagher PREM action on Saturday (kick-off: 5.30pm).
A victory would ensure Saints remain top of the table heading into the two-month break in league action during the PREM Cup and Six Nations period.
“Sale are a very physical side,” said Wright, who was amongst the try-scorers against Scarlets. “And we’ve definitely got to try and meet that physicality, exceed it, and just put our game on them.
“Last time we played them at home, that’s exactly what we did [a 47-21 win in December 2025]. We met them physically, and then we moved the ball around and got into space, and then Pollock scored one of the tries, and Hendy finished as well. It’s definitely what our DNA is and what we do as a team.”
Having struggled on the road during the 2024/25 Prem season picking up one away win at Newcastle, this term Phil Dowson’s side have showed a marked improvement – picking up league wins at Gloucester, Bath and Newcastle as well as a notable success over Section Paloise in the Investec Champions Cup.
“I think everyone’s on their own personal journey to try and find out what works for them when they go away to games,” Wright continued.
“I think we’ve definitely been able to grasp a hold of that and figure out what works for us.
“I think we’ve got great players in here, regardless of who goes on the pitch, as long as we play our DNA and we do what we do on the pitch, and everyone plays to their strengths, that's a result.”
The 21-year-old announced a new contract extension with the club earlier this month and has amassed 28 appearances in the Black, Green and Gold since his debut against Ealing Trailfinders in September 2023, having graduated out of Saints’ Academy pathway.
Wright enjoyed a breakthrough 2024/25 season, making 14 appearances in all competitions – including coming off the bench in the Investec Champions Cup Final at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
“Last season, I probably wasn’t getting as much consistent game time,” Wright added.
“For me to come into the PREM and European season this year and get plenty of starts and time off the bench as well, it’s really enabling me to develop as a player and making my game flourish, which I’m enjoying.
“I think the amount of game time I’m getting now is definitely building my confidence up.
“Last season, my defence probably wasn’t quite where it wanted to be, but I’ve been working hard in training and implementing it in games, and that’s definitely become a stronger part of my game.”