Sharks ready to launch fresh attack on Premiership title

FEW members of the British & Irish Lions squad returned from New Zealand with their reputations enhanced after the 3-0 whitewashing at the hands of the All Blacks.

With the exceptions of Ryan Jones and Simon Easterby, it seems the best way for a Lions player to maintain his reputation was to have as little to do with the Test series as possible.

With this in mind, Sale Sharks fans have more reason than most to be happy with their lot. After an up and down season with England, some felt Charlie Hodgson was fortunate to make the original tour party, and while not featuring in any of the Test matches, the Sharks fly-half excelled in the midweek victories over Taranaki, Otago, Manawatu and Auckland.