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Sheridan in for final Test

SALE Sharks' Andrew Sheridan will make his full Lions Test debut on Saturday with Ian McGeechan ringing the changes.

The prop came on as a replacement during last week's second Test, but with Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones both injured, Sheridan will start against the Springboks for the third and final Test at Ellis Park.

Kingsley keeps eye on golden boys

SALE Sharks boss Kingsley Jones is set to keep a fatherly eye over outstanding young England stars James Gaskell and Carl Fearns.

The duo - who are both products of Sale's famed Academy - each played key roles in helping England's Under-20s reach the World Junior Championship final in Japan last month before eventually losing to New Zealand.

Sharks to offer Bishop a chance

SALE Sharks have handed a potential career lifeline to injury-plagued former Ospreys centre David Bishop.

The highly rated 25-year-old made his comeback last September after almost three years out with a fractured knee-cap but despite being a regular towards the end of the Welsh club's Magners League campaign, was surprisingly released by Ospreys in May.

McGeechan: Defeat has hit us hard

BRITISH and Irish Lions head coach Ian McGeechan admitted Saturday's heartbreaking last-gasp defeat to South Africa was one of the biggest disappointments of his rugby career.

Morne Steyn's injury-time penalty earned the Springboks a dramatic 28-25 victory in Pretoria to seal a series triumph for the world champions.

Sharks snap up Seymour

SALE Sharks have made another key addition to their pack by swooping to capture highly-rated flanker David Seymour from Saracens.

The 24-year-old has signed a one-year contract with the Edgeley Park club with a further option.

Sheridan on Lions bench

SALE prop Andrew Sheridan is on the bench for the British and Irish Lions' second Test against South Africa in Pretoria on Saturday.

The Sharks powerhouse has shrugged off a back injury to take his place in the squad as Ian McGeechan's men look to bounce back from last week's 26-21 defeat.

Sale 2009/10 fixture list

SALE Sharks will get their 2009/10 campaign off to a cracking start at home to reigning champions Leicester Tigers.

The new fixtures have also handed Sale an opening road trip to traditional bogey side Newcastle Falcons – though the Sharks did create a small slice of history last season by recording their first-ever league win at Kingston Park.

Lions to resist change temptation

WARREN Gatland has hinted the British and Irish Lions will resist the temptation to make wholesale changes for their must-win second Test against South Africa.

The Lions were beaten 26-21 in Durban and are expected to select a new front row on Saturday in order to neutralise the scrummaging and mauling dominance the Springboks enjoyed last weekend.

Williams has point to prove

SHANE Williams admits he will enter the last-chance saloon in an attempt to rescue his British and Irish Lions Test ambitions.

Reigning world player of the year Williams has been left behind in the Test team running by rival wings Tommy Bowe and Ugo Monye. Sale's Andrew Sheridan, who is struggling with a back complaint, is left out.

Burger back for Springboks

SCHALK Burger returns to the starting line-up for South Africa when they take on the British and Irish Lions in the second Test match in Pretoria on Saturday.

The Stormers flanker, who was excluded for the first game due to a calf injury, is a straight replacement for Heinrich Brussow and will make his 50th Test appearance when he runs out against the tourists.

O'Connell's Lions regret

PAUL O'Connell admitted the penalties they conceded cost the British and Irish Lions dear in their opening Test defeat to South Africa. The Lions went down 26-21 in Durban after their stirring late comeback proved just too late.

South Africa were 26-7 ahead at one stage, but second-half tries from Tom Croft - his second of the game - and Mike Phillips gave the hosts an almighty scare.

South Africa 26 Lions 21

CAPTAIN Paul O’Connell admitted the penalties they conceded cost the British and Irish Lions dear in their opening Test defeat to South Africa.

The Lions were beaten in Durban after their stirring comeback proved just too late.

Sheridan left out of Test

Sale and England prop Andrew Sheridan has missed out on a place in the Lions Test 22 to play South Africa.

But Leicester's Tom Croft completed his rapid rise from Lions outcast to Test starter after being named in the XV for Saturday's game in Durban.

Lions squad profiles

Check out our Lions team profiles ahead of the first Test against South Africa in Durban.

Southern Kings 8 Lions 20

THE British and Irish Lions won a game of brutal intensity at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium after their opponents attempted a softening-up exercise before next Saturday's first Test.

The tourists did not escape unscathed though, as prop Euan Murray and fly-half James Hook both went off injured inside the opening 15 minutes.

Sheridan in for final warm-up

ANDREW Sheridan will have a final chance to prove to coach Ian McGeechan that he is worthy of a starting spot in the first Test when the British and Irish Lions take on Southern Kings on Tuesday.

But the Sale man's selection in the last warm-up match might indicate he is losing the battle with Gethin Jenkins for the loosehead prop position.

SA name squad to face Lions

HEINRICH Brussow has walked straight into South Africa’s starting line-up for the first Test against the British and Irish Lions in Durban on Saturday.

The Cheetahs flanker, who was called into the squad less than 24 hours ago as cover for the injured Schalk Burger, will start at blindside alongside his provincial team-mate Juan Smith.

Lions battle: Sheridan v Jenkins

THE position of loosehead prop for the Lions’ first Test against South Africa is one of the most keenly contested in the side.

Sale Sharks powerhouse Andrew Sheridan is up against Cardiff Blues’ Gethin Jenkins for the coveted red jersey – here John Yiasoumis, with the help of former Sale and Lions prop Fran Cotton, runs the rule over the two Lions front row contenders.

Lions face up to Test puzzle

IAN McGeechan admits he has some difficult decisions to make this week as he finalises his Lions team for Saturday's first Test against South Africa.

His side continued their unbeaten start to the tour at the weekend, but only just as they had to rely on a late long-range penalty from James Hook to secure a 26-23 victory over Western Province.

Pumas defeat England

MATT Banahan's late try failed to prevent England from losing 24-22 to a Juan Martin Hernandez-inspired Argentina at the Estadio Padre Ernesto Martearena.

England appeared to be heading for a heavy defeat when they entered half-time 14-3 behind, but they ate into the Pumas' lead after the interval.

Andy Goode, who amassed a 17-point haul, slotted four penalties and a conversion of Banahan's expertly-taken 79th minute try only for Argentina to survive a tense climax.

Western Province 23 Lions 26

SUBSTITUTE James Hook stung Western Province with a late long-range penalty to preserve the British and Irish Lions’ winning run in South Africa.

Wales back Hook struck four minutes from time, rifling over a 50-metre strike that thwarted the home side’s superb fightback.

Sheridan in Lions line-up

SALE prop Andrew Sheridan will have another chance to stake his claim for a starting spot in the first Test when the Lions take on Western Province on Saturday.

The Sharks powerhouse was impressive in the narrow win over the Cheetahs last week and will be looking for another big performance ahead of the first clash with South Africa on June 20.

Sharks 3 Lions 39

THE British and Irish Lions continued their unbeaten march through South Africa by sinking the Sharks in impressive fashion at ABSA Stadium.

Hooker Lee Mears, scrum-half Mike Phillips, wing Luke Fitzgerald, full-back Lee Byrne and number eight Jamie Heaslip scored tries, while 12 points from the boot of fly-half Ronan O’Gara and a late James Hook conversion sealed an emphatic success.

Nightmare draw for Sharks

SALE Sharks must be wondering what on earth they have done to incur the wrath of the Heineken Cup gods. For the second season in succession, the draw has pitted Sale into a daunting looking pool that has again been labelled the group of death.

Twelve months ago, it was the Sharks' misfortune to find themselves bracketed alongside the then reigning champions Munster, alongside top French duo Clermont Auvergne and Montauban.

Sale handed tough Heineken draw

SALE Sharks have been handed one of the toughest possible Heineken Cup draws.

Tuesday's draw in Paris saw the Edgeley Park club paired alongside French giants Toulouse, along with Magners League powerhouses Cardiff Blues and fellow Guinness Premiership outfit Harlequins in Pool Five.

Cueto relishes OT run out

MARK Cueto may never achieve his dream of treading the boards upon the Theatre of Dreams for his beloved Manchester United.

But the Sale winger enjoyed the next best thing on Saturday, firing in two second-half volleys - the second a spectacular 50-yard lob - to set up a brace of tries for Delon Armitage and help inspire England to victory over Argentina.

Lions name team to face Sharks

BRIAN O’Driscoll and Jamie Roberts will reprise their destructive centre partnership when the Lions tackle the Sharks in Durban on Wednesday, with Sale prop Andrew Sheridan dropping out of the side.

Head coach Ian McGeechan has continued to mix and match his selections as the first Test against South Africa looms on the horizon.

Argentina 15 England 37

DELON Armitage scored twice as England continued their climb up the world rankings with a hard-fought victory over Argentina at Old Trafford.

Winger Matt Banahan was named man of the match after marking his Test debut with a try and Andy Goode booted 22 points as England moved above the Pumas to fifth in the world rankings.

Cheetahs 24 Lions 26

THE British and Irish Lions survived a major scare at Vodacom Park before preserving their 100 per cent South Africa tour record.

Tries by flanker Stephen Ferris, and centre Keith Earls helped open up a 17-0 lead but, when Ferris was sin-binned, the Cheetahs hit back with converted touchdowns from Danwel Demas and Yan du Preez.

Sheridan back in Lions line up

ANDREW Sheridan is back in the British and Irish Lions side to face Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

The Sale prop played in the 37-25 win over Royal XV, but sat out the crushing 74-10 win over the Golden Lions on Wednesday.

Golden Lions 10 British Lions 74

THE British Lions put down the marker assistant coach Shaun Edwards demanded to give their South Africa tour lift-off tonight.

The Lions mauled their Super 14 opponents with a display light years ahead of last Saturday's stuttering opening win against the Royal XV in Rustenburg.

Cueto to face Pumas

SALE'S Mark Cueto has been recalled to the England side to face Argentina at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The winger's club colleague Matthew Tait is on the bench, while England will give Test debuts to Matt Banahan, David Wilson and Tom May.

England hint for Hodgson

MARTIN Johnson insists the England door has not permanently slammed shut on Sale Sharks star Charlie Hodgson.

The Edgeley Park playmaker's name was conspicuous by its absence last week when England's Test and Saxons squads were unveiled for their respective summer campaigns.

Lions side named

BRIAN O’Driscoll will captain the British and Irish Lions in their second tour match against the Golden Lions in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

Ireland’s Grand Slam skipper is one of 12 changes made by head coach Ian McGeechan to the side following Saturday’s 37-25 victory over the Royal XV.

Lions recover to win

THE British and Irish Lions began their South Africa tour with a hard-fought 37-25 victory over the Royal XV.

The Lions had to come from behind to win, having slipped 18-3 behind early on after tries from Wilhelm Koch and Rayno Barnes.

Meanwhile, England were beaten 33-26 by an all-star Barbarians side at Twickenham.

Sheridan takes Lions place

SALE prop Andrew Sheridan will line up for the British and Irish Lions as the tourists launch their 10-match South African tour against a Royal XV in Rustenburg on Saturday.

The Ireland lock Paul O'Connell will lead a powerful line-up that includes seven Wales internationals, while Keith Earls and Jamie Roberts both make Lions debuts in midfield.

Lions preview special

THE British Lions tour to South Africa promises to be thrilling and gruelling in equal measure.

Click here for our special e-mag preview to the tour where you can check out pen-pix of the Lions stars plus an interview with boss Ian McGeechan.

Wait for Cueto

MARK Cueto is bracing himself for a second dose of British Lions heartbreak today.

An injury to Leigh Halfpenny earlier this week looked to have opened up another window of opportunity for the new Sale vice-captain, who was surprisingly overlooked when Lions coach Ian McGeechan unveiled his tour party last month.

Johnson's United front

ENGLAND supremo Martin Johnson is hoping some of the magic of Old Trafford can help inspire his players when they come to Manchester for next month's unique Test match against Argentina.

After a special request from the Pumas, England agreed to stage the first of what is a two-match away series against the South Americans on Saturday, June 6 (4pm) and selected the home of the newly-crowned Premier League champions to host what will be the first rugby union Test match in Manchester for 12 years.

Saint-Andre: My biggest regret

FORMER Sale boss Philippe Saint-Andre flew out of Manchester for good at the weekend, still nursing a regret that he stayed loyal to the Sharks' big names for too long.

After five eventful years at Edgeley Park, Sale's former director of rugby has bid au revoir and heeded the call of home to try to revive the fortunes of big-spending but under-achieving Toulon.

Wigglesworth in England squad

SALE scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth has been included in England's squad for the summer Test series against Argentina.

Wigglesworth has five caps to his name but he hasn't been called up since the ill-fated tour to New Zealand. It is the first time manager Martin Johnson has selected him.

Sale enjoy life in UKFast lane

SALE Sharks have shrugged off the effects of the credit crunch by securing a record seven figure sponsorship deal from new main backers UKFast.

UKFast, the UK's leading hosting provider, has taken the step up to principle sponsor after a decade of supporting the Edgeley Park-based club as a technical sponsor.

Sale seize giant Sisa

SALE Sharks have again moved to beef up their pack by clinching the capture of Fijian international Sisa Koyamaibole.

For director of rugby Kingsley Jones and his staff it's a case of poacher turned gamekeeper as they have captured the powerful marauding No8 from French outfit Toulon.

Sale's season player ratings

A TOUGH season for Sale ultimately ended in disappointment after they failed to qualify for the Guinness Premiership play-offs.

As the Sharks give their bodies a much needed break from the action, M.E.N. Sale reporter Neil Leigh gives his verdict on their season.

Dragon Byron will fire up Sharks

SALE Sharks boss Kingsley Jones has made another key addition to his new-look backroom squad by swooping to secure the services of former Wales team-mate Byron Hayward.

The 39 year-old will move to Edgeley Park where he will take up a post as kicking, conditioning and strategy coach.

Sale: Review of the season

LOOKING at the season as a whole, you'd have to say we under-achieved."

No, that's not the verdict of some tired and emotional Sale Sharks punter crying into his Printerland Stand beer, but rather the sober reflection from new director of rugby Kingsley Jones.

Schofield named Sale skipper

SALE boss Kingsley Jones has moved swiftly to shore up the loss of Juan Lobbe by confirming the appointment of Dean Schofield as the Sharks’ new captain for next season.

The England lock will be assisted in his role by fellow homegrown internationals Mark Cueto and Charlie Hodgson who will both act as vice captains at Edgeley Park.

Chabal: My Sharks regrets

SEBASTIEN Chabal will head back across the English Channel for good this summer still nursing a sense of regret that he didn't end his Sale Sharks career in a blaze of glory.

The French battering ram was one of nine key players to have played their final game for the club at the weekend as Sale ended their Guinness Premiership campaign in fifth place, finishing just outside the top four play-off positions for the second season in a row.

Kennedy: I'm with Sharks for long haul

THE wind of change may be blowing through Sale Sharks but owner Brian Kennedy has reiterated his long-term commitment to the club.

In a wide ranging interview with M.E.N. Sale reporter Neil Leigh, Kennedy says the economic recession would not impact on the club's resolve to spend 'every penny' of the league's £4m salary cap.

Chabal on Racing radar

RACING Metro president Jacky Lorenzetti has revealed Sale's Sebastien Chabal could be one of a host of new players joining the Paris club for the start of next season.

Racing secured promotion to the Top 14 at the weekend thanks to their 33-12 victory over Bordeaux-Begles.

Sale 24 Northampton 18

SALE Sharks' dreams of a second Guinness Premiership title ended in glorious failure at Edgeley Park.

Needing a bonus point win to stand any chance of acheiving a top-four place, Sale fulfilled their side of the bargain with a barnstorming second half display.

But despite tries from Juan Lobbe, Eifion Roberts, Dean Schofield and Mathew Tait, results elsewhere dashed their hopes of a fairytale ending to the season.

Sale's Treasure Islanders

SALE Sharks have stepped up their recruitment drive ahead of next season by unveiling two more additions to their squad.

Just 24 hours after sealing the services of Scottish prop Gavin Kerr, Sharks director of rugby Kingsley Jones has made a double swoop with a strong South Sea island flavour.

Sharks snap up Kerr

SALE Sharks have moved to beef up their front row options by swooping to sign Scottish international prop Gavin Kerr from Edinburgh.

The 32-year-old, who featured in the 2003 and 2007 World Cups and has 50 caps for his country, penned a two- year deal with the Edgeley Park side.

Sharks bow out in style

SO, after a season that began rich in promise, Sale Sharks are left with little more than tears and another fifth place.

Having more than fulfilled their part of the bargain on the final afternoon of the Guinness Premiership campaign by delivering a second successive bonus point win, Sale's slim hopes of gate-crashing the top four were then brutally demolished as results came in from elsewhere.

Lions dream 'not over'

SALE Sharks boss Kingsley Jones has urged Mark Cueto and Dwayne Peel not to give up on their British Lions dreams.

The Edgeley Park duo were conspicuous by their absence when the 37-man squad to take on reigning world champions South Africa later this summer was unveiled.

Win Sale Sharks tickets

THE Manchester Evening News has teamed up with EDF Energy, one of the UK's largest energy companies, to offer the chance for two lucky readers and a friend each to go to watch Sale take on Northampton Saints in the Guinness Premiership on Saturday, April 25 at Edgeley Park.

EDF Energy are committed to supporting rugby at all levels, from the grassroots, as Community Partner to Premier Rugby, through to the elite of the sport, as title sponsor of the EDF Energy Cup.

Sheridan plays it cool

THE rest of the country may have been glued to the televised announcement of the Lions squad to tour South Africa but Sharks' sole representative Andrew Sheridan had more pressing matters on his mind.

While the rest of his Sale colleagues were shoe-horned into the dining room at their Carrington training HQ watching the names being unveiled, `Big Ted' was in a state of blissful ignorance, happily working out with some neck weights in the gym.

Lions squad named

SALE prop Andrew Sheridan has been included in the British Lions squad to tour South Africa but winger Mark Cueto has been left out.

Paul O’Connell has been appointed captain, edging out Ireland’s Grand Slam-winning skipper Brian O’Driscoll for the most prestigious job in British and Irish rugby.

Sharks hit with player penalty

SALE may not lift the Guinness Premiership title this season - but they now look dead certs to be crowned king of the cock-ups.

That's the only conclusion to be drawn from yesterday's damning verdict by a disciplinary panel which fined the Sharks £5,000 and, crucially, docked them a point for fielding an unregistered player.

The penalty was meted out by an RFU and Premier Rugby hearing after Sale chose to field hooker David Ward as a late substitute during their 38-20 defeat at Harlequins on March 22.

McAlister doubtful for Sharks finale

KIWI superstar Luke McAlister looks like having played his last game for Sale Sharks.

The former All Black, who is to return home to New Zealand in the summer, has played only once in the last two months due to knee and hamstring injuries.

Sale 28 Harlequins 6

SALE sealed their ticket to Europe and kept their slender dreams of a second Guinness Premiership title very much alive after a dramatic win with play-off rivals Harlequins at Edgeley Park last night.

Going into the game, the Sharks knew they had to win to have any hope of retaining a mathematical chance of shot at a top-four place going into next Saturday's season finale at home to Northampton.

Chabal back to boost Sale

SALE Sharks entertain Harlequins at Edgeley Park desperate to ensure they can keep their Guinness Premiership season alive going into next week's finale.

Victory for the sixth-placed Sharks would not only guarantee them Heineken Cup rugby again next season but also maintain their slim hopes of a top four play-off spot going into their final league match at home to Northampton.

Doherty learns from Robbo

SALE winger David Doherty is hoping a sprinkle of Jason Robinson's stardust can help him inspire the Sharks to a fairytale end to the season.

Doherty hopes to have recovered from a shoulder injury in time to figure in Friday's penultimate Guinness Premiership clash with high-flying Harlequins at Edgeley Park (7.45pm).

Briggs order double tonic

FLEXIBLE friend Neil Briggs is in line for the two most prestigious prizes at Sale Sharks' end-of-season awards jamboree, which is to be held at the end of the month.

The young hooker, who can also double up as a flank forward, has been nominated by Sale director of rugby Kingsley Jones for both the Player of the Season and Most Promising Player awards.