Welsh international forward Andy Powell is set to make his debut for Sale Sharks against Leicester Tigers in Friday's Aviva Premiership match at Edgeley Park (kick off 7.45 p.m.)
There's a new pairing at centre, Sam Tuitupou and Johnny Leota, whilst in the back row of the pack Richie Vernon starts at Number 8 for the first time. Prop Tony Buckley has recovered from flu and takes his place on the bench alongside returning hooker Joe Ward.
Sale Sharks: 15.Rob Miller, 14.Tom Brady, 13.Johnny Leota, 12.Sam Tuitupou (capt.), 11.Mark Cueto, 10.Nick Macleod, 9.Dwayne Peel, 1.Alasdair Dickinson, 2.Marc Jones, 3.Henry Thomas, 4.Fraser McKenzie, 5.Kearnan Myall, 6.James Gaskell, 7.David Seymour, 8.Richie Vernon.
Replacements 16.Joe Ward, 17.Vadim Cobilas, 18.Tony Buckley, 19.Mark Easter, 20.Andy Powell, 21.Will Cliff, 22.Luther Burrell, 23.Will Addison.
Sharks' Executive Director of Sport Steve Diamond commented, "Andy Powell returned to the club on Tuesday, chomping at the bit, and went straight into training with the lads, whom he'd already met during pre-season. He will be taking some part in the game against the Tigers.
"We've had some good sessions this week, working on several issues raised by last week's game; we're one big unit and know where we need to focus.
" The match against Leicester will be very tough - probably our hardest task of the season. We can't wait! Edgeley Park is definitely the place to be on Friday night, and we're looking to our fans to roar us on in this vital game."
