ALEX: WE WANT A FAST START
Alex Sanderson is able to pick from a near-full strength squad for the Gallagher PREM season opener against Bristol Bears as he targets a fast start on Saturday.
Speaking in his pre-match media briefing, the Sharks Director of Rugby confirmed that only versatile back Luke James (hamstring) is unavailable for the visit of Pat Lam’s side.
That means new signings including Courtney Lawes, Joe Marchant, Xavier Roe, Nicky Smith and Elia Canakaivata could be in line for league debuts.
“In terms of injury prevention, we’ve done a lot differently this pre-season,” Alex said. “Clearly, we had to because only a fool does the same thing and expects different results.
“So we’re starting the season in a good place which is important because we want to start fast and find form and cohesion as early as we possibly can.
“That might be on Saturday, but it might not be. If there are more signs of it, as there were against Bath, then that’ll be encouragement enough to show that we’re going in the right direction.
“But what we need to do is win. That’s the most important thing. When you win then you start to find flow and form and that cohesion will come. For us we want to get there as early as possible, starting this Saturday.
“I always have aspirations and expectations to be able to compete and win silverware and when you look around the changing room now you see so much quality and a group with the depth you need to achieve. My standards and expectations are always to win.
“This season feels really fresh and I can’t wait to get going. I can guarantee that we’ll be better than last season.”
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