Sale stars return

The Millennium Stadium, Saturday 2.30pmSALE welcome back their international stars for tomorrow's EDF Cup semi-final against Leicester Tigers.

Jason Robinson returns to captain the side at left wing, a position where he impressed for England during the Six Nations, scoring four tries in four games.

Joining him in the side are Sebastien Bruno, Stuart Turner and Magnus Lund, while Mark Cueto should also return on the wing after playing full back in England's 26-18 defeat to Wales last week.

Recent signing Julien Laharrague retains his place at full back and, with Mark Taylor still recovering from injury, Chris Bell and Elvis Seveali'i join up in the midfield.

Turner and Andrew Sheridan flank Bruno in the front row and Chris Jones partners Dean Schofield behind them.

Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Magnus Lund and Sebastien Chabal make up a fearsome back row.

It is the strongest side Sale have been able to name for months, although only eight of those selected were involved in Sharks' last win over Leicester - in the Guinness Premiership final.

They are still missing several key players - Charlie Hodgson, Jason White, Lionel Faure and Sililo Martens among them - but this side should still be strong enough to cause Leicester problems.

The Tigers are currently the best side in England but can be disrupted, especially if they are matched blow-for-blow up front.

That's easier said than done, however, boasting England internationals George Chuter, Louis Deacon and Ben Kay among their front five.

It is in the back row where they are most imposing though.

Martin Corry will lead by example from the back of the scrum and has a tendency to perform on the big occasions, while Lewis Moody and Shane Jennings will make a nuisance of themselves at rucks and around the fringes.

Harry Ellis is in the form of his life at scrum half, while Daryl Gibson will pull the strings in midfield.

SALE: Julien Laharrague; Mark Cueto/Oriol Ripol, Elvis Seveali'i, Chris Bell, Jason Robinson; Daniel Larrechea, Richard Wigglesworth; Andrew Sheridan, Sebastien Bruno, Stuart Turner; Chris Jones, Dean Schofield; Juan Fernandez Lobbe, Magnus Lund, Sebastien Chabal.

Replacements: Andy Titterrell, Eifion Roberts, Ben Evans, Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, Ben Foden, Chris Mayor/Oriol Ripol, Lee Thomas/Rhys Jones.

LEICESTER: Geordan Murphy; Tom Varndell, Danny Hipkiss, Daryl Gibson, Alesana Tuilagi; Paul Burke, Harry Ellis; Marcos Ayerza, George Chuter, Michael Holford; Louis Deacon, Ben Kay; Shane Jennings, Lewis Moody, Martin Corry.

Replacements: Gavin Hickie, Alex Moreno, Tom Croft, Brett Deacon, Frank Murphy, Andy Goode, Seru Rabeni.

Sale head coach Kingsley Jones said: "We have trained well all week and it was good to see the return of the international players after the six nations.

"We are expecting a tough game but we believe we have selected a side that can win tomorrow and give us an opportunity to secure a Heineken Cup place for next season."

Leicester head coach Pat Howard: "Julian White has been carrying a bit of an injury, but we are happy to welcome the guys back, not just the England players but also Geordan Murphy who has been away too.

"Michael Holford has been playing well, we are happy with his form and we feel sure that he is up for the challenge.

"The medical staff have done a fantastic job in getting (Lewis Moody) ready.

"He looks in great nick too and we are happy to have him in contention and happy to have the back row together again that played such a major part in Europe.

"We have all three fly-halves available and the competition is very tight at the moment.

"Burkey (Paul Burke) was the 10 who got us into this position and he has played a major part in this competition for us this season. I am looking forward to seeing him continue that form.

"Harry (Ellis) has been in fantastic form with England but he was also playing very well for us before that and it is great to have him back."

Sharks wing Steve Hanley previews the weekend's game in his exclusive online column. To read "In from the wing" click here