Sale Sharks vs Bath Rugby: Santi Carreras Named at Fly-Half for Round 12 Clash

Sale Sharks host Bath Rugby this Sunday at CorpAqu Stadium in Round 12 of the 2025/26 Gallagher Premiership, featuring a highly anticipated fly-half showdown between Santi Carreras and George Ford.

Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan has opted for a rotated squad, resting several Six Nations internationals ahead of next week’s Champions Cup fixture against Saracens. Despite these changes, Bath’s lineup remains formidable, boasting 11 internationals and a bench filled with seasoned players.

Leading the side as captain is Miles Reid, a proven Premiership performer, who will anchor the back row at number eight. The Bath front row will comprise Scott Kirk, Dan Frost, and Vilikesa Sela, while Will Jeanes partners with Ross Molony in the second row to form a solid tight five.

The back row will see Ted Hill and Ethan Staddon supporting Reid, with Tom Carr-Smith directing play from scrum-half. Carreras and Carr-Smith form an effective half-back pairing, linking seamlessly with midfielders Cameron Redpath and Louie Hennessey. On the wings, Will Muir and Joe Cokanasiga reunite, while Tom de Glanville takes his place at full back.

Bath’s bench includes impactful forwards Kepueli Tuipulotu, Beno Obano, and Thomas du Toit, along with Charlie Ewels, Ewan Richards, and Alfie Barbeary to provide additional strength and experience. Bernard van der Linde and Chris Harris cover the backs.

Sale Sharks name a strong side to counter Bath’s threat, with George Ford at fly-half, supported by Raffi Quirke at scrum-half. Their backline features Joe Carpenter, Tom Roebuck, Rob du Preez, Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Arron Reed, and captain Ernst van Rhyn leading the pack, alongside forwards Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan-Dickie, and James Harper.

Match officials for this clash include referee Luke Pearce, assistants Andrew Jackson and Jamie Leahy, with Peter Allan serving as TMO.