Sale Sharks brought an end to their league season with an emphatic victory over Newcastle this weekend, cruising past the Falcons 54-12 and showing some good preparation ahead of their highly-anticipated home semi-final against Leicester Tigers.
The visitors might have already been consigned to a bottom-placed finish before rocking up to the AJ Bell stadium, but they might have expected a slightly more closely-run affair after opening the scoring inside three minutes.
However, it wasn’t meant to be and after a strong season for the Sharks and their historic semi-final against Leicester looming, they answered back just as quickly.
Before long, it was 21-7 to the home side and after starting the second half even stronger, they smelt blood, punishing every mistake possible and putting a further 33 points past the visitors. With a total of 10 tries in the game, Sale couldn’t have hoped to head into next week’s cup semi in better shape.
𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟-𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 | 🦈 54-12 🦅
Heading to the semi-final in fine fettle after a ten try thriller at the AJ Bell 🙌
Sale Sharks round off the season comfortably as they prepare for the big Premiership Rugby semi-final.
With Tom Roebuck, Sam James, Ben Curry; Bevan Rodd, Raffie Quirke and Aaron Reed all getting on the scoresheet, the Sharks will no doubt be feeling confident ahead of the big fixture on Sunday, 14 May, especially being at home.
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Given the momentous nature of the tie, tickets for the historic meeting sold out almost instantly, this being the team’s first home semi-final in 17 years — the last time being when they won it and against the Tigers, no less.
Even this warm-up game served as a historic occasion as veteran Will Cliff also called time on his professional career this season at age 34, enjoying a final run-out ahead of his testimonial. The club made clear how much his presence will be missed with a heartfelt video in April.
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Moreover, with the Women’s team set to face off against third-placed Bristol Bears at Heywood Road a day prior to the Leicester game — no doubt looking for vengeance after the defeat back in January — is set to be a stellar weekend for the Sharks.
𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙎 𝙒𝙀𝙀𝙆𝙀𝙉𝘿 🔥
The ultimate Sharks weekender has arrived, #SharksFam 🙌.
Two unmissable clashes as we look to make this weekend one to remember!
Join us at Heywood Road on Saturday, all season ticket holders and U18s get 𝘍𝘙𝘌𝘌 entry! #FabricOfTheNorth
As for Sale vs Leicester, the clubs have met three times already this season, with the Sharks’ chances looking strong having won on all three occasions.
That being said, this will be the 106th meeting between the two and just the thirteenth at AJ Bell Stadium, with Leicester winning 69 of those fixtures compared to Sale’s 32, so it’s arguable that history is on the side of the Tigers. Nevertheless, the home advantage will no doubt play heavily in Sale’s favour.
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Elsewhere, first-place finishers Saracens host Northampton Saints in their semi-final on Saturday and should both teams progress, the league leaders — whom the Sharks beat back in March — will then be the only thing that stands in the way of the Manchester side’s first title since 2006. Can they do it?
You can watch Sale Sharks’ convincing victory over Newcastle Falcons down below:
Paul Scholes blasts Ruben Amorim for ‘bull****’ response to Kobbie Mainoo question
Danny Jones
Club legend Paul Scholes has called out Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim for what he dubbed a “bull****” reaction to a question from a journalist regarding Kobbie Mainoo on Thursday.
The Portuguese coach saw his Premier League win rate clock in at just under 44% (the lowest of any Man United manager for, let’s just say, some time) after the 1-1 home draw against West Ham.
Conceding a late goal against the Irons, who are currently sat in the relegation zone, the Red Devils ultimately dropped another two points against a side that they should be beating, both based on present form and if they have any hopes of competing for the top spots.
Unsurprisingly, Amorim was pressed on why he didn’t make a more offensive substitution to try and claw back the victory, to which he then asked what looked to be a somewhat loaded question and gave this reaction after the response:
The laughter, in particular, hasn’t gone down well with everyone, especially the Class of ’92 graduate and retired midfielder.
Jumping on social media after the quotes from the Amorim press conference were out, Scholes posted on his Instagram story: Bull****. This kid is being ruined, not being played in a team that can’t control a game of football.”
He went on to add: “Hate seeing homegrown players leave, but it’s probably best for him now – enough is enough.”
First off, Reds – do you agree?
It isn’t the first time Scholes has levelled criticism at Amorim, his tactics, management and overall coaching style, having said this of their previous appointment at Old Trafford.
Paul Scholes on Ruben Amorim's tactics against 10-man Everton which frustrated him 😬 pic.twitter.com/AgsESuH83h
Safe to say he isn’t his biggest supporter at the moment.
Fellow former teammate and England international turned pundit, Gary Neville, was also left not just confused but frustrated by the performance, telling Sky Sports in his post-match interview that he noted the camera picking up “real dejection” on the faces of the fans after the full-time whistle.
With an away trip against Wolves, a home match against Bournemouth, as well as travelling to face high-flying European place competitors, Aston Villa, before hosting Newcastle on Boxing Day, it’s anyone’s guess as to how the results will pan out.
You can see the highlights from Man United vs West Ham down below.
How many points do you see them picking up over the next four fixtures?
BBC releases first look of new drama series based on inspirational journey of England men’s football team
Emily Sergeant
First look images of a new BBC drama series based on award-winning play Dear England have been released.
The four-part series based on James Graham’s Olivier-award winning play of the same name tells the story of Gareth Southgate and the England men’s football team journey to renewed success, and it’s set to air on BBC One and iPlayer next year.
Dear England is a fictionalised account of the struggles and successes of England’s football teams, based on extensive research and interviews.
The stage play premiered at the National Theatre to five-star reviews, winning an Olivier award for ‘Best New Play’, and enjoying a sell-out run in 2023 before it returned to the National Theatre earlier this year and then embarked on a national tour.
The first look images of new BBC series Dear England have been released / Credit: BBC
With the worst team track record for penalties in the world when he takes over as manager, Gareth knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take England back to the promised land.
The country that gave the world football has delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t the England team win at their own game?
Joseph Fiennes will reprise his Olivier award-nominated role as Gareth Southgate in the new series.
Joseph Fiennes will star as former manager Gareth Southgate / Credit: BBC
The first look pictures see Fiennes in his role for the first time in scenes depicting England’s triumphant Euro 2024 Semi-Final celebrations, where the men’s team reached their first final of a major tournament on foreign soil.
Fiennes is joined by Jodie Whittaker as England men’s team psychologist Pippa Grange, and Daniel Ryan as Steve Holland the former assistant manager, whilst Will Antenbring stars as Harry Kane, joined by an ensemble cast of upcoming actors as the rest of the team.
Among the squad cast is Adam Hugill, Josh Barrow, and screen newcomer Lewis Shepherd, who are all reprising their respective stage roles as Harry Maguire, Jordan Pickford, and Dele Alli.
Danny Jones -
9th May 2023 
