Twins Power Sale Sharks To Thumping Victory Over Bristol
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Sale Sharks' boss Steve Diamond rolled out both sets of twins on Bristol Bears on Saturday with Jean-Luc featuring in the second row and Dan du Pree completing a mouth-watering back row with Ben and Tom Curry at blind and openside respectively.
All four players had strong games against the young Bristol Bears side Pat Lam fielded as Sale ran in six tries to thrash Bristol 40-7.
Sale Sharks' defence was asked to make just 97 tackles by the Bears during the 80 minutes with the Ben Curry leading the way for Steve Diamond's side with 10 tackles despite playing just 64 minutes. Tom followed making 9 with Dan add 7 while Jean-Luc was forced to make just one.
Jean-Luc was the only one of the four to miss tackle with the makeshift lock having a busier day at the rucks.
Dan du Preez stamped his mark on the game early on as he produced a wonderful offload for the opening try of the game. The Springbok loose forward has been particularly good in this area of the game this season as he has produced more offloads that any other forward in the competition.
An excellent little offload from Dan du Preez 🤲#SALvBRI #GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/q2SnxWAF4f
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) August 29, 2020
Saturday's game was no different for Dan du Preez as completed three offloads equalling Manu Tuilagi's tally in the clash with only his twin, Jean-Luc, bettering his tally as he completed four.
While Sale's forwards have been viewed as big hitters and carriers, the set of twins showed that there is far more to their games with the four players completing 23 passes between them.
Jean-Luc du Preez also claimed a try assist for himself as he supported Manu Tuilagi well after the England International broke through the Bristol defence. Tuilagi linked up with Jean-Luc who sent Faf de Klerk on his way for a while worked try.
A beaut from @SaleSharksRugby 👏#SALvBRI #GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/yEYqXIPpQE
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) August 29, 2020
Sale were excellent at the breakdown once again winning 12 turnovers to Bristol's four. Again this is where Sale's set of twins shone with Tom matching his brother's tally from his midweek game winning four turnovers with Dan du Preez securing a brace of turnovers as did Ben Curry while Jean-Luc claimed one.
While a young Bristol Bears team is not the perfect opposition to judge just how effective it is to field all four players in the same pack, it certainly was a joy to watch while club captain Jono Ross will certainly not let go of starting role anytime soon.
Ross also featured in the midweek clash against Wasps on Tuesday and made a notable impact with a few big hits and clearouts when he replaced Ben Curry late on. Ross has also yet to miss a Premiership fixture for Sale since joining the side three years ago from Stade Francais.
