Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock has urged his Worcester Warriors to produce another Sale super show and give their Guinness Premiership campaign lift-off on Friday night.
Warriors secured a key victory up at Edgeley Park last term and then went on an impressive run of form.
Ruddock is now eager for his team – that is set to feature the return of several key names – to once again produce their best form after the break from league action ends on Friday in front of the Sky cameras (kick-off 8pm).
But the Sixways chief admits his Warriors will have to hit their straps against an impressive Sale side flying high in the league table.
“We produced a great performance at Sale last season,” said Ruddock. “We played 80 minutes of great rugby, scored the try of the season and it was a catalyst for us in terms of improvement and actually winning games.
“It gave the boys a lot of confidence. Hopefully we can get that win to get us off and running.
“Sale Sharks are a good side, any side that goes away to France and put big points on Clermont makes you sit up and take notice.
“They have a few players away on international duty and that could work to our advantage, but once you start thinking that will make it easier, that it when your troubles start.
“We are expecting a really difficult game and they will be fired up. They will also remember that we did beat them last year so they certainly won’t underestimate us this year. The surprise element has gone.”
Ruddock has revealed that the injury list at Sixways Stadium is now easing ahead of the trip up north.
And hooker Aleki Lutui could also be set to feature after taking on England at Twickenham last weekend.
“The break has given us the chance to take a lot of the guys out of the front line. We have been able to freshen them up a little bit,” added Ruddock.
“It has also given us a chance to get people back from injury. Dale Rasmussen, Will Bowley and Kai Horstmann are all back training fully. Chris Horsman is over his ban and a number of things have happened to allow us to get back to a fuller squad.
“We are also hoping that Aleki will play. He turned out for the Pacific Islanders against England last weekend and made it clear to them that he was unable to play after that.
“His wife is due a baby and has gone into hospital today so we wish her the very best. Hopefully that means he can make sure everything is okay at home with his newborn before he drops back into training.”