Sale Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson expects Leicester Tigers to be “frothing at the mouth” when they face them in the Premiership semi-finals.
The AJ Bell Stadium clash on Sunday will see the Sharks looking to make it a third straight win over the Tigers this season, having won twice already.
Indeed, Sale‘s form this season saw them finish 10 points ahead of Leicester in the Premiership, as they now go in search of a first final since 2006.
Steam coming out of the ears
But Sanderson knows they will tackle a determined Tigers side this weekend as the reigning champions look to get the better of their hosts in Salford.
“I dare say they are going to be frothing at the mouth, steam coming out of the ears, fire and brimstone,” the boss said ahead of a fascinating fixture.
“We have beaten them twice (this season), and I have heard that they want to play us. If someone had beaten me twice, I would want to play them.”
Adding to the intrigue on Sunday is the fact Leicester’s interim boss Richard Wigglesworth was part of the Sale line-up that won the title 17 years ago.
“I consider him a good friend,” Sanderson said of his rival. “There is probably no-one in the Premiership who knows me better or who I know better.
“What I am going after in his team, he is probably going after in ours.”
Sale, who have named Tom Curry alongside his brother Ben in their XV and former Tigers stalwart George Ford at 10, have created a fortress at home.
Tough being away side in semis
“Their home record is impressive – it has been a big talking point out of the club all season,” Wigglesworth added ahead of the clash.
“What they want to do in the north for the game and to have only lost a couple of games in all competitions at the AJ Bell is something that they take great pride in.
“It hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for us for a long time, having not won there in more than five years.
“Being the away side in a semi-final is tough enough, but it is a challenge we are looking forward to taking on.”
READ MORE: Sale v Leicester: Premiership preview as Sharks to end Tigers’ title defence
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