Previews

Premiership makes its return

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 03/09/2009
Rugby Union betting

The schools are back and it can only mean one thing. It's the start of a new Guinness Premiership campaign.

The big kick-off of the new domestic campaign cannot come soon enough for the Rugby Football Union after a summer of scandal, which has tarnished the reputation of the sport despite a successful British & Irish Lions tour.

All eyes are on Edgeley Park as Sale Sharks get the honour of hosting the first match of the season on Friday evening, where they will entertain European powerhouse and reigning champions Leicester Tigers.

Though the Welford Road outfit approach the encounter as sportsbook favourites, they have not had the better of the fixture in recent seasons, particularly on their travels.

Will the Tigers finish the season on top? - Latest Rugby Union Betting

Of their last six visits to Stockport, they have won just once - with a 26-25 victory in 2007. And of the last four encounters at all venues, Sale have come out on top three times.

Both sides have warmed up for their 2009/10 curtain-raiser with tough pre-season outings last week.

Sale saw off a spirited Exeter Chiefs outfit of the Guinness Championship, prevailing 17-13.

Ben Cohen made his Sale debut in the match and he could be in line for his competitive bow this weekend.

The England wing managed 80 minutes in the match and should get the go-ahead to be thrown straight in at the deep end after a unfruitful spell in France with Brive.

Kristian Ormsby and Sean Cox are thought to be the only absentees for Sale this week.

The Tigers faced more high-profile opposition in the form of Irish province Munster.

The formidable European Cup force proved to give the Tigers a good workout, as the home side had to come from behind to win 34-28 at Welford Road.

Worryingly for Tigers head coach Richard Cockerill, his side leaked four tries, though they did cross for four of their own in an entertaining match.

Jeremy Staunton was successful with the boot in the game and may be handed his debut this weekend with first choice fly-half Toby Flood nursing a long-term injury.

Tigers gave warm-ups to several big names, with Ben Kay, Dan Hipkiss, Martin Castrogiovanni, George Chuter, Julian White, Louis Deacon and Jordan Crane all named among the starting XV.

Despite their modest record against Sale in recent years, the Tigers have won their last four Guinness Premiership opening day fixtures and will be sufficiently battle-hardened for their trip to Cheshire.

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