- By Yareet
- By dinogyroAbout us
View From The 22 is a rugby forum where fans can discuss all the latest news and views regarding their club.
Sale Sharks v Leicester Tigers
Referee: Christophe Ridley (95th Prem match)
ARs: Ian Tempest & Neil Chivers
TMO: Stuart Terheege
- Thu May 14, 2026 11:08 pm
#78672
- Fri May 15, 2026 1:30 pm
#78674
15. Joe Carpenter, 14. Tom Roebuck, 13. Luke James, 12. Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, 11. Tom O’Flaherty, 10. George Ford, 9. Raffi Quirke; 1. Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 2. Alfie Longstaff, 3. James Harper, 4. Ernst van Rhyn ©, 5. Ben Bamber, 6. Jacques Vermeulen, 7. Sam Dugdale, 8. Tom Curry.
Replacements:
16. Wills Austin, 17. Ralph McEachran, 18. Patreece Bell, 19. Hyron Andrews, 20. Seb Kelly, 21. Gus Warr, 22. Ollie Davies, 23. Arron Reed.
Replacements:
16. Wills Austin, 17. Ralph McEachran, 18. Patreece Bell, 19. Hyron Andrews, 20. Seb Kelly, 21. Gus Warr, 22. Ollie Davies, 23. Arron Reed.
- Fri May 15, 2026 3:47 pm
#78676
Good to see Tom and Raffi back
More musical chairs at prop, we seem to only ever have 4 fit props and just swap them around based on which make it to game day - Onasanya out but Bell back so AOF shifts to loosehead
Tigers on a tear atm so not expecting anything from this - no injuries and some more improvements in the attack, is that too much to ask for? (probably)
More musical chairs at prop, we seem to only ever have 4 fit props and just swap them around based on which make it to game day - Onasanya out but Bell back so AOF shifts to loosehead
Tigers on a tear atm so not expecting anything from this - no injuries and some more improvements in the attack, is that too much to ask for? (probably)
- Sat May 16, 2026 5:17 am
#78680
Leicester Tigers (appearances)
15. Freddie Steward (129)
14. Adam Radwan (29)
13. Will Wand (36)
12. Orlando Bailey (24)
11. Ollie Hassell-Collins (72)
10. James O’Connor (11)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (110)
1. Nicky Smith (42)
2. Jamie Blamire (22)
3. Joe Heyes (179)
4. George Martin (76)
5. Ollie Chessum © (82)
6. Hanro Liebenberg (148)
7. Tommy Reffell (153)
8. Joaquin Moro (26)
Replacements
16. Charlie Clare (145)
17. Archie van der Flier (22)
18. Will Hurd (75)
19. Cameron Henderson (82)
20. Olly Cracknell (82)
21. Hamish Watson (3)
22. Tom Whiteley (64)
23. Solomone Kata (54)
15. Freddie Steward (129)
14. Adam Radwan (29)
13. Will Wand (36)
12. Orlando Bailey (24)
11. Ollie Hassell-Collins (72)
10. James O’Connor (11)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (110)
1. Nicky Smith (42)
2. Jamie Blamire (22)
3. Joe Heyes (179)
4. George Martin (76)
5. Ollie Chessum © (82)
6. Hanro Liebenberg (148)
7. Tommy Reffell (153)
8. Joaquin Moro (26)
Replacements
16. Charlie Clare (145)
17. Archie van der Flier (22)
18. Will Hurd (75)
19. Cameron Henderson (82)
20. Olly Cracknell (82)
21. Hamish Watson (3)
22. Tom Whiteley (64)
23. Solomone Kata (54)
- Sun May 17, 2026 4:19 pm
#78689
Made it to half time. A weak team led by a weak minded coaching group a clear second best. Heading at great speed towards another 50+ points conceded.
Turned back on for the second half. Saw Warr had come on and turned it off with less than a minute gone.
Dear Mr Orange et al, your stubborn minds are not commendable. They are helping that inept leader to wound this club and undo all or the good work you have done.
Turned back on for the second half. Saw Warr had come on and turned it off with less than a minute gone.
Dear Mr Orange et al, your stubborn minds are not commendable. They are helping that inept leader to wound this club and undo all or the good work you have done.
- Sun May 17, 2026 4:42 pm
#78690
Perhaps to calm your emotions it might be better to get another club to support, or even another sport to follow?
If you think a multimillionaire reads this board, or reflects on comments made within it, I think you’re sadly disillusioned.
Have a great day.
If you think a multimillionaire reads this board, or reflects on comments made within it, I think you’re sadly disillusioned.
Have a great day.
- Sun May 17, 2026 5:35 pm
#78692
We looked OK after they gave up - though Warr and Carpenter colliding in midfield before our third(?) try kinda summed up our season
Liked the look of Kelly off the bench, bit of dog about him
Bell had some nice carries/ran some lines that had me questioning the number on his back
Good to see TC and RQ come through unscathed
Not a ton of positives if we're being honest, it wasn't competitive until the game was over as a contest
Liked the look of Kelly off the bench, bit of dog about him
Bell had some nice carries/ran some lines that had me questioning the number on his back
Good to see TC and RQ come through unscathed
Not a ton of positives if we're being honest, it wasn't competitive until the game was over as a contest
- Sun May 17, 2026 6:42 pm
#78693
That didn’t tell me anything new, rather it simply confirmed that:
Harper & Raffi won’t be missed (a great shame in the latter case, but for me his last 2 seasons have been a sad inability to develop any sense of control, instead his outings between injuries have been largely indisciplined harum-scarum stuff).
Forshaw needs to work hard in pre-season. Chopping and changing defence coaches during a season is no recipe for success, so once we’re back with something to play for, the defence needs to be better.
We also need to beat Newcastle to take a big step towards ensuring European rugby next season. Sunday afternoons are rubbish times for us and somebody at the club needs to realise that staging games at the same time as the Manchester Marathon and Man City v Arsenal (Sarries) and Man Utd and the W6N finale (today) is really poor for trying to maximise the crowds.
The influx of signings is much needed. I think recruitment has been good and while there’s still some gaps in depth, some big holes are being filled. In particular, Lawes is a huge signing and just what we need.
And finally, the brass band is socking awful and I cannot stand it, it ruins the atmosphere.
Harper & Raffi won’t be missed (a great shame in the latter case, but for me his last 2 seasons have been a sad inability to develop any sense of control, instead his outings between injuries have been largely indisciplined harum-scarum stuff).
Forshaw needs to work hard in pre-season. Chopping and changing defence coaches during a season is no recipe for success, so once we’re back with something to play for, the defence needs to be better.
We also need to beat Newcastle to take a big step towards ensuring European rugby next season. Sunday afternoons are rubbish times for us and somebody at the club needs to realise that staging games at the same time as the Manchester Marathon and Man City v Arsenal (Sarries) and Man Utd and the W6N finale (today) is really poor for trying to maximise the crowds.
The influx of signings is much needed. I think recruitment has been good and while there’s still some gaps in depth, some big holes are being filled. In particular, Lawes is a huge signing and just what we need.
And finally, the brass band is socking awful and I cannot stand it, it ruins the atmosphere.
ledzepsfr, Centrethreequarter liked this
- Sun May 17, 2026 7:21 pm
#78694
Have to agree the brass band did my head in at the sarries game, they seem to trumpet at all the wrong times and drown out what chants start. Once againt they massively annoying and ended up moving away from rhem. Ps think longstaff looks really promising.PappjeShark wrote: ↑Sun May 17, 2026 6:42 pmThat didn’t tell me anything new, rather it simply confirmed that:
Harper & Raffi won’t be missed (a great shame in the latter case, but for me his last 2 seasons have been a sad inability to develop any sense of control, instead his outings between injuries have been largely indisciplined harum-scarum stuff).
Forshaw needs to work hard in pre-season. Chopping and changing defence coaches during a season is no recipe for success, so once we’re back with something to play for, the defence needs to be better.
We also need to beat Newcastle to take a big step towards ensuring European rugby next season. Sunday afternoons are rubbish times for us and somebody at the club needs to realise that staging games at the same time as the Manchester Marathon and Man City v Arsenal (Sarries) and Man Utd and the W6N finale (today) is really poor for trying to maximise the crowds.
The influx of signings is much needed. I think recruitment has been good and while there’s still some gaps in depth, some big holes are being filled. In particular, Lawes is a huge signing and just what we need.
And finally, the brass band is socking awful and I cannot stand it, it ruins the atmosphere.
PappjeShark liked this
- Sun May 17, 2026 9:15 pm
#78695
Nobody has mentioned the fire in the burger van!!
I arrived late ish and there were 2 fire engines!!!
The security at the gate was farcical. One queue were scanned with a wand, the other wasn’t!!! A lot of Tigers fans. I am not calling that a brass band. It was at best a brass ensemble. They are professional players who have been a feature at Welford Road. They were abysmal. There were 4 of us who play for Stretford Band at the match today. There were 4 players from Ellenbrook and Boothstown Band at the match too. Proper tuneful British brass bands. 2 trumpets, a tuba and a side drum is a very odd line up. Who on Earth booked those charlatans and how much were they paid?? Annoying. Irritating. Clueless.
Oh and the rugby. Before the match I reckoned on anything less than 60 conceded was an achievement. Carpenter looked better than Steward. Raffi looked better than Van Poorpass. No spiral bombs and less box kicks. Ball in hand we looked a threat. Their tries looked to be created by our errors and one was a clear forward pass. Can’t wait for this fiasco of a season to finish.
I arrived late ish and there were 2 fire engines!!!
The security at the gate was farcical. One queue were scanned with a wand, the other wasn’t!!! A lot of Tigers fans. I am not calling that a brass band. It was at best a brass ensemble. They are professional players who have been a feature at Welford Road. They were abysmal. There were 4 of us who play for Stretford Band at the match today. There were 4 players from Ellenbrook and Boothstown Band at the match too. Proper tuneful British brass bands. 2 trumpets, a tuba and a side drum is a very odd line up. Who on Earth booked those charlatans and how much were they paid?? Annoying. Irritating. Clueless.
Oh and the rugby. Before the match I reckoned on anything less than 60 conceded was an achievement. Carpenter looked better than Steward. Raffi looked better than Van Poorpass. No spiral bombs and less box kicks. Ball in hand we looked a threat. Their tries looked to be created by our errors and one was a clear forward pass. Can’t wait for this fiasco of a season to finish.
- Mon May 18, 2026 8:28 am
#78697
Only got to see the highlights this morning but followed the scores on BBCs results page.
Highlights told me nothing except that all these high scoring matches are only
entertaining for the winning side. What has happened to defence ? Is it change of rules,
bias towards attacking teams, more injuries so big squads win ?
As I am not able to judge youngsters overall performance when they get a chance I havr
one question. Given the players coming in and if Ben and Tom are properly fit, which
of the younsters will get a chance in the 15 or even the 23 next year?
Highlights told me nothing except that all these high scoring matches are only
entertaining for the winning side. What has happened to defence ? Is it change of rules,
bias towards attacking teams, more injuries so big squads win ?
As I am not able to judge youngsters overall performance when they get a chance I havr
one question. Given the players coming in and if Ben and Tom are properly fit, which
of the younsters will get a chance in the 15 or even the 23 next year?
- Mon May 18, 2026 8:42 am
#78698
Wasn't expecting much with the difference in packs though didn't expect them to stroll through for a try so early which set the tone....
Curry seemed intent on giving away pens and Vermulen was quite compared to the last few games.
Our attacking idea seem to be consist of stabbing through grubber kicks....the ones Raffi did first half...actually less said the better. Carpenter I thought played nicely - how he must wish he would be an Northants replacing Furbank at 15 and promote his England hopes.
Agree with others that Kelly looked very lively when we came on.
The number of times we coughed up ball......the whole pre-season thing about not giving away pens went straight out of the door.....the one where the ref kept telling Warr the ball was still in but he picked it up anyway.....this season can't end soon enough really.
Curry seemed intent on giving away pens and Vermulen was quite compared to the last few games.
Our attacking idea seem to be consist of stabbing through grubber kicks....the ones Raffi did first half...actually less said the better. Carpenter I thought played nicely - how he must wish he would be an Northants replacing Furbank at 15 and promote his England hopes.
Agree with others that Kelly looked very lively when we came on.
The number of times we coughed up ball......the whole pre-season thing about not giving away pens went straight out of the door.....the one where the ref kept telling Warr the ball was still in but he picked it up anyway.....this season can't end soon enough really.
- Mon May 18, 2026 9:34 am
#78699
At least we won the penalty count - iirc it was 8 - 1 at one stage.
To anyone who knows rugby and the Cheetahs that stat is unbelievable.
As the commentators who have played at this level always point out - defenders are penalised - usually for mm offside - whereas off feet, obstruction etc. by the attack is unpunished.
SS were obviously bullied up front unsurprisingly given the players available to both sides.
If both Curry twins are fit next season then at least one will be with England so chances for Seb Kelly who seems a better prospect than the others.
We still don't know what's happened to Burrow & Hogg.
To anyone who knows rugby and the Cheetahs that stat is unbelievable.
As the commentators who have played at this level always point out - defenders are penalised - usually for mm offside - whereas off feet, obstruction etc. by the attack is unpunished.
SS were obviously bullied up front unsurprisingly given the players available to both sides.
If both Curry twins are fit next season then at least one will be with England so chances for Seb Kelly who seems a better prospect than the others.
We still don't know what's happened to Burrow & Hogg.
Make Orkney stoat free.
- Mon May 18, 2026 10:10 am
#78700
I didn't find it as depressing as the Saracens game. Defence is an odd one as it was excellent against Gloucester. Attack was improved though these stupid little kicks ahead are annoying.
Raffi's a strange one, as above harum scarum in parts, but I don't think we would have scored the second try with Gus on.
Scrum struggled but let's not forget the total age of the six front row players w had on show was 128. That must be something of a record.
Raffi's a strange one, as above harum scarum in parts, but I don't think we would have scored the second try with Gus on.
Scrum struggled but let's not forget the total age of the six front row players w had on show was 128. That must be something of a record.
- Mon May 18, 2026 11:29 am
#78701
Some interesting thoughts from this game. An odd one in that it went as expected so can't really over criticise. Unlike previous games we managed a losing try BP, which is a step in the right direction. Our attacking shape looked good. We made more metres then them, but we kept messing up and dropping the ball. More on that later.
No concern re defence. we aren't challenging for anything, so shipping 40 plus points in the modern game is par. Is what it is, like it or not.
As I fluctuate from Sanderson deserves next season to he needs to go, this game doesn't help his cause. This is to do with evidence of learning and improving. Since Sanderson has taken over we have been and remain a dumb team. We did so many stupid things against Tigers. Sanderson recognised this issue, bought in Bortalami, and then binned him when we were vaguely showing some improvement in the top 2 inches. Even if next year we play better rugby and make top 4 will we have the brains to win the thing? Hard to feel confident.
Speaking of learning and improving, it is unforgivable that Warr was on bench ahead of Hanson. When will he learn, especially if playing expansively, that Warr isn't even prem standard. He was awful yesterday, and frequently is now, but we are still potentially going in with him first choice. I can't back Sanderson staying if that is the case.
Sanderson's squad use and rotation is a funny one. At the start he want gung ho, and rotated too much. He realised this wasn't gonna work, but now we under rotate in my view. Injuries force his hand, but i don't see youngsters getting exposure in bigger games (not cup) unless he is forced to. Tom Curtis has had one proper start. At least in some games this year we have used our bench earlier and exposed these kids. I'd like to see Kelly getting more game time, maybe occasionally at the expense of Dugdale. LCD needs protecting, so we can have Alfie around a bit more often etc.
Looking forward to next year already, it will be a fascinating one for a Sale fan.
No concern re defence. we aren't challenging for anything, so shipping 40 plus points in the modern game is par. Is what it is, like it or not.
As I fluctuate from Sanderson deserves next season to he needs to go, this game doesn't help his cause. This is to do with evidence of learning and improving. Since Sanderson has taken over we have been and remain a dumb team. We did so many stupid things against Tigers. Sanderson recognised this issue, bought in Bortalami, and then binned him when we were vaguely showing some improvement in the top 2 inches. Even if next year we play better rugby and make top 4 will we have the brains to win the thing? Hard to feel confident.
Speaking of learning and improving, it is unforgivable that Warr was on bench ahead of Hanson. When will he learn, especially if playing expansively, that Warr isn't even prem standard. He was awful yesterday, and frequently is now, but we are still potentially going in with him first choice. I can't back Sanderson staying if that is the case.
Sanderson's squad use and rotation is a funny one. At the start he want gung ho, and rotated too much. He realised this wasn't gonna work, but now we under rotate in my view. Injuries force his hand, but i don't see youngsters getting exposure in bigger games (not cup) unless he is forced to. Tom Curtis has had one proper start. At least in some games this year we have used our bench earlier and exposed these kids. I'd like to see Kelly getting more game time, maybe occasionally at the expense of Dugdale. LCD needs protecting, so we can have Alfie around a bit more often etc.
Looking forward to next year already, it will be a fascinating one for a Sale fan.
The Back Row, SSR liked this
- Mon May 18, 2026 2:01 pm
#78703
I am assuming Xavier Roe will be our starting scrum half next season ( when he gets offically
announced ). Even so, scrum half and fly half will be a bit fragile if the number one gets injured.
At least we have some flyhalf cover coming in. It will be interesting next year, I am having great
difficulty deciding what the starting scrum will look like. The backs are a bit easier to predict.
Not so sure where and when the youngsters will get a chance though.
announced ). Even so, scrum half and fly half will be a bit fragile if the number one gets injured.
At least we have some flyhalf cover coming in. It will be interesting next year, I am having great
difficulty deciding what the starting scrum will look like. The backs are a bit easier to predict.
Not so sure where and when the youngsters will get a chance though.
- Mon May 18, 2026 2:35 pm
#78704
One observation.
Hamish Watson came on for Leics - I had no idea he was there - apparently a loan signing and Edinburgh have let him go.
From memory (not so good these days) he's a north west lad? played at Macc or Wilmslow?
Seeing as Curry's are either injured/away with England - wouldn't that be a great signing? used to be a really good player, must admit I haven't heard his name mentioned for a bit - has he been injured?
Hamish Watson came on for Leics - I had no idea he was there - apparently a loan signing and Edinburgh have let him go.
From memory (not so good these days) he's a north west lad? played at Macc or Wilmslow?
Seeing as Curry's are either injured/away with England - wouldn't that be a great signing? used to be a really good player, must admit I haven't heard his name mentioned for a bit - has he been injured?
- Tue May 19, 2026 4:33 am
#78705
When I heard the he was a free agent, I initially thought the same. But, given the number of back rowers we already have, coupled with several hybrid lock/back row Then surely signing a player of his quality wold only serve to block the likes of Kelly and Woodman getting the opportunities they need if they are to develop.Surbiton_Shark wrote: ↑Mon May 18, 2026 2:35 pmOne observation.
Hamish Watson came on for Leics - I had no idea he was there - apparently a loan signing and Edinburgh have let him go.
From memory (not so good these days) he's a north west lad? played at Macc or Wilmslow?
Seeing as Curry's are either injured/away with England - wouldn't that be a great signing? used to be a really good player, must admit I haven't heard his name mentioned for a bit - has he been injured?
- Tue May 19, 2026 12:03 pm
#78710
Hamish Watson like many of the "Scotland" squad was born outside that wind-blasted, rain-soaked sod - in his case Manchester.
He started with Wilmslow minis then went to the dark side at Leicester Academy.
Medical joker to replace BC?
He started with Wilmslow minis then went to the dark side at Leicester Academy.
Medical joker to replace BC?
Make Orkney stoat free.