Can Sale clip the Falcons' talons?
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Two victors from the last round will lock horns this weekend at the AJ Bell Stadium as Sale host the Newcastle Falcons.
Sale managed to pull off an unexpected upset as they downed defending champions Exeter Chiefs, 25-20. Chiefs were not helped by their hooker and captain Jack Yeandle being sent off with a red card after making contact with the head of an opposition player at a ruck fairly early on in the game, but it was still a good effort by Sale to see the game out in their favour.
Newcastle were responsible for another upset as they left the pitch at Kingston Park 3 points ahead of Harlequins after a nail-biting encounter. Newcastle flyhalf Brett Cannon had a good day with the boot, adding 10 points to his team’s total of 25.
After their brilliant start, Newcastle fell off the pace somewhat but could be on track for another second surge of consecutive victories. They currently occupy 4th place on the standings, just 3 points behind Sale who have 3rd.
Sale will not have forgotten Round 2 of the current competition wherein Newcastle managed to put them down 15-13 at Kingston Park – a result which will no doubt sharpen the former’s resolve this time around and make them a decidedly more dangerous unit. Will it be enough, however, to counter a Newcastle side which has shown great spirit and temperament this season?