Murray makes Falcons debut v Sharks

Posted on Jan 6, 2011 in Rugby News

Big name signing, Euan Murray will make his debut against Sale Sharks in the Aviva Premiership on Friday (kick off 7.45pm).

The 30-year-old Scotland international has been handed the No. 3 jersey as Falcons boss, Alan Tait makes three changes to the side that was defeated at Wasps last week.

Charlie Amesbury returns to the wing after a horrific eye injury sustained during Newcastle’s 12-6 victory over Gloucester back in November, as Tait rotates the backline. South African flyer, Gcobani Bobo moves to the centres, with Luke Eves dropping to the bench.

And, Brent Wilson comes in to the pack replacing West Countryman, Redford Pennycook who provides quality in reserve.

“We’ve been boosted by Jonny Golding this week,” said Tait.

“He will take a place on the bench, and Andrew Van der Heijden has also been doing contact work with the boys this week. The Sale game has just come a bit quick for him, but what a difference it makes to see quality like that on the training field.

“Euan Murray’s debut is another thing to look forward to, and this is a game that I’ve been waiting for all season,” he added.

Newcastle face a Sharks outfit revitalised by their win at home to Saracens last weekend, and Tait is expecting a tough challenge.

“That’s what happens, and this Aviva Premiership is full of those surprises. You can see that they’ve changed coaches, and the senior players seem to be having a fair bit to say in leading the ship.

“Pete Anglesea is a young coach, and the older players there, look to be leading the way. The likes of Charlie Hodgson and Mark Cueto seem to be going out there and just enjoying their rugby – and they’re throwing it about well and they caught Saracens by surprise,” said Tait.

Newcastle

15. Jeremy Manning
14. Luke Fielden
13. Gcobani Bobo
12. Tane Tu’ipulotu
11. Charlie Amesbury
10. Jimmy Gopperth
9. Micky Young
1. Grant Shiells
2. Matt Thompson
3. Euan Murray
4. James Hudson
5. Tim Swinson
6. Brent Wilson
7. Will Welch
8. Ally Hogg

Replacements

16. Joe Graham
17. Jonny Golding
18. Kieran Brookes
19. Filipo Levi
20. Redford Pennycook
21. Jason Spice
22. Luke Eves
23. Danny Williams

Sharks make two changes

Posted on Jan 6, 2011 in Rugby News

Sale Sharks make two changes to their starting line up for tomorrow evening’s trip to Newcastle Falcons. Mark Cueto and Rhys Crane are both out and Mathew Tait and Paul Williams take their places on the wings with Nick Macleod named at Full Back.

Head Coach Pete Anglesea said, “ Sunday’s win over Saracens was a good performance and we are now looking to build on that . I have been able to name the same pack for the game with the same replacements in the forwards too. It’s a fast turn around but we have trained well, the team spirit is excellent and players are walking around with smiles on their faces.”

Team: Nick Macleod, Paul Williams, Chris Bell, Kyle Tonetti, Mathew Tait, Charlie Hodgson, Dwayne Peel, Andrew Sheridan, Marc Jones, Karena Wihongi, Chris Jones, Kristian Ormsby, James Gaskell (Captain), Carl Fearns, Sisa Koyamaibole

Replacements: Ben Roberts, Lee Imiolek, Henry Thomas, Sean Cox, Neil McMillan, Will Cliff, Rob Miller, Iain Thornley

Hodgson injury adds to Sale’s woes

Posted on Dec 6, 2010 in Rugby News

Sale Sharks’ injury woes continue with the news that fly half Charlie Hodgson has suffered a small fracture of the foot. He’s likely to be out of action until well into the New Year. Charlie was injured playing for England against South Africa.

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Chris Jones returns for Sharks

Posted on Oct 8, 2010 in Rugby News

Chris Jones returns to play for Sale Sharks for the first time since April against Cetransa El Salvador in the Amlin Challenge Cup at Edgeley Park tomorrow (7.45 p.m.). Chris Brightwell will make his senior debut for the club and is set be joined by Simon McIntyre and Fergus Mulchrone, if they are called onto the pitch from the bench. Charlie Hodgson makes a his second appearance on his comeback from a minor shoulder operation. Sharks will have to play without captain James Gaskell, who suffered an ankle ligament injury in training last Monday, and could be out for some weeks.

Sharks Team:

Nick Macleod; Tom Brady, Chris Bell, Anitelea Tuilagi, Ben Cohen; Charlie Hodgson, Will Cliff; Lee Imiolek, Marc Jones (capt.), Jack Forster, Wame Lewaravu,  Chris Jones, Chris Brightwell , Neil McMillan, Sisaro Koyamaibole.

Replacements: Neil Briggs, Simon McIntyre, Karena Wihongi, Nic Rouse, Sean Cox, Chris Leck, Rob Miller, Fergus Mulchrone.

Hodgson back for Sharks

Posted on Sep 29, 2010 in Rugby News

Sale Sharks are ready to welcome back their influential fly half Charlie Hodgson in Friday’s Aviva Premiership match against London Wasps at Edgeley Park (7.45 p.m.).

Sharks’ Head Coach Mike Brewer said, “It’s great to have Charlie back. In one training run, he has added another dimension to our game. A player of Charlie’s experience is more than what he just executes as our flyhalf, it is also his game management and overall decision making which is invaluable. Nicky Macleod has done really well in the first part of the season and it is quite timely for us that Charlie is now fully recovered just as Nicky picks up an injury (Hamstring).”

Sale Sharks have won both their home games in the Premiership this season.  Opening up with Newcastle Falcons on September 3rd, the side took a commanding lead by half time and ended up winning 35-18. In the second game, Harlequins held a 17-6 half time lead, but a spirited reply from Brewer’s men during the second half saw the Sharks take the spoils 21-17.