Sale include fit-again Manu Tuilagi in line up for Premiership opener against Northampton
Manu Tuilagi is set to play his first game since May
©PA
England centre Manu Tuilagi is set to play his first competitive game in 16 weeks after named in Sale Sharks' starting line up for the Friday's Gallagher Premiership opener against Northampton Saints.
Tuilagi last played in May and underwent a surgery on his knee which forced him to miss England's summer tour of Australia. He now hopes to be injury free with a bid to make it to the England squad for the Rugby World Cup next year.
He has managed to make just eight appearances for Sale last season while his England appearances were limited to just six Tests since the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Tuilagi will be part of the midfield that also has Sam James while Tom O’Flaherty, who will be making his first league start at left wing with Tom Roebuck at right. Luke James will start at fullback
Robert du Preez has been handed the kicking responsibility with Gus Warr at scrum-half as Raffi Quirke and new signing George Ford are still recovering from their injuries.
The back row comprises of skipper Ben Curry alongside Jean-Luc du Preez and Daniel du Preez with Matt Postlethwaite and Cobus Wiese at second row.
Sale Sharks XV: 15. Luke James; 14. Tom Roebuck, 13. Sam James, 12. Manu Tuilagi, 11. Tom O’Flaherty; 10. Robert du Preez, 9. Gus Warr; 1. Simon McIntyre, 2. Akker van der Merwe, 3. Nick Schonert, 4. Cobus Wiese, 5. Matt Postlethwaite, 6. Jean-Luc du Preez, 7. Ben Curry (capt), 8. Daniel du Preez.
Reserves: 16. Tommy Taylor, 17. Ross Harrison, 18. Coenie Oosthuizen, 19, Josh Beaumont, 20. Jono Ross, 21. Joe Simpson, 22. Tom Curtis, 23. Arron Reed.
Northampton Saints XV: 15. Tom Collins; 14. Ollie Sleightholme, 13. Matt Proctor, 12. Fraser Dingwall (capt), 11. Courtnall Skosan; 10. James Grayson, 9. Alex Mitchell; 1. Alex Waller, 2. Mike Haywood, 3. Paul Hill, 4. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 5. Alex Coles, 6. Angus Scott-Young, 7. Aaron Hinkley, 8. Juarno Augustus.
Reserves: 16. Sam Matavesi, 17. Emmanuel Iyogun, 18. Alfie Petch, 19. Alex Moon, 20. Sam Graham, 21. Tom James, 22. Tom Litchfield, 23. George Furbank.
