This Sunday, Sale Sharks will host Bath Rugby at the CorpAqu Stadium in a crucial Round 12 clash of the 2025/26 Gallagher Premiership, highlighted by an intriguing fly-half showdown between Santi Carreras and George Ford.
Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan has opted for a rotated squad as he rests his Six Nations stars ahead of next week’s pivotal Investec Champions Cup match against Saracens. Despite these changes, Bath’s lineup remains formidable, featuring 11 internationals and a bench rich with seasoned experience.
Leading Bath in Salford will be veteran number eight Miles Reid, a standout Premiership performer who brings leadership and grit to the side. The front row consists of Scott Kirk, Dan Frost at hooker, and Vilikesa Sela. Joining them in the tight five are Will Jeanes partnering a returning Ross Molony in the second row.
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The back row is a strong trio with Reid flanked by Ted Hill and Ethan Staddon. Tom Carr-Smith will manage the game from scrum-half, linking up with Carreras at fly-half to provide creativity and control. In the midfield, Cameron Redpath and Louie Hennessey combine for Bath, while familiar wing partners Will Muir and Joe Cokanasiga are set to cause trouble out wide. Tom de Glanville will cover fullback duties.
Bath’s bench includes impactful forwards Kepueli Tuipulotu, Beno Obano, and Thomas du Toit, while Charlie Ewels, Ewan Richards, and Alfie Barbeary provide additional forward options. Bernard van der Linde and Chris Harris are ready to cover the backs.
Sale Sharks line up with Joe Carpenter at fullback, flanked by Tom Roebuck and Arron Reed on the wings. Their midfield features Rob du Preez partnering Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, with George Ford orchestrating from fly-half and Raffi Quirke at scrum-half. The forward pack is led by captain Ernst van Rhyn in the second row, supported by a robust front row trio of Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan-Dickie, and James Harper.
The replacements for Sale include Ethan Caine, Ralph McEachran, Tye Raymont, Dan du Preez, Jos Gilmore, Gus Warr, Marius Louw, and Tom O’Flaherty.
Match officiating will be overseen by referee Luke Pearce, assisted by Andrew Jackson and Jamie Leahy, with Peter Allan acting as TMO.