In the opening stages of this year’s Premiership it has not exactly been the vintage Sale Sharks we have grown accustomed to seeing in recent seasons. However, one thing that has been a hallmark of Alex Sanderson’s tenure remains the same as we approach the halfway point in the campaign: if they are to make the playoffs, it will be their home form that is likely decisive.
The Sharks have lost just five Premiership games on home soil since Sanderson was appointed in January 2021. It is a remarkable record, and one which could be more important than ever this season given their polarising form on their travels. Eight games in, Sale have lost all four of their away matches – two of them bruising, heavy losses against Northampton and Bath before the international break.
