Chris Ashton up against Marland Yarde, Joe Marchant v Manu Tuilagi, Chris Robshaw v Tom Curry … the list of mouth-watering match-ups is endless as we look forward to the resumption of Premiership Rugby with what should be a cracker of a game between mid-table Harlequins and second-placed Sale Sharks.
Throw in a couple of steely-eyed northerners in DoRs Paul Gustard and Steve Diamond, and the match at the Twickenham Stoop has all the makings of being the perfect curtain raiser after the interlude no-one expected or wanted – not least Sale Sharks.
Diamond’s team were flying when the handbrake was put on the season five months ago, topping the form chart with 23 points from a possible 30 from their last five games, whereas a Quins side decimated by injuries could only muster 11 points from the same period.
Time is a great healer, and Quins should be better for the break, even if their recruitment has been underwhelming. However, Sale Sharks are likely to the hungrier of the two as they chase a second Premiership title and look decent value at 8/15 to come away with the points.
Yes, Sale have lost on their last three visits to this corner of south-west London and have only won once there since 2008, but with no fans allowed into the stadium, is ‘home advantage’ that much of a factor? For Quins to gain revenge for their 48-10 thumping up in Salford back in January, that would be some turnaround.
Punters may also like to consider a bet on a double result of Sale HT/FT, available at even money, given the track record of the two teams. In 24 games this season in all competitions, the Sharks have been in front after 40 minutes has elapsed in two out of every three games, whereas Quins have struggled to get going from the off and have only had the half-time advantage in seven matches.
Check out Paul Diggin’s verdict on this and all the other fixtures>>
