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Sale reveal Ashton return date
By Nathaniel Cope
Sale have given an update on Chris Ashton following the calf injury which he sustained in England's 35-15 November Test win against Japan.
The 31-year-old missed England's match against Australia as a result, with forwards coach Steve Borthwick saying he'd be out for "a couple of weeks".
But now Sale have confirmed Ashton will make his return this weekend.
He is named comes at fullback for Sunday's visit to Bath Rugby in the Gallagher Premiership.
It will be the England international’s first appearance for the club in the Premiership, after a seven week suspension following his red card during Sale’s pre-season fixture against Castres Olympique on Friday 17 August.
Continue reading below...
Watch: Chris Ashton speaks about life back in the England camp
Ashton has already made his debut, which was in the European Challenge Cup against Connacht, when he scored a hat-trick in a 34-13 win.
The versitile Ashton has been in good form since his return as is rated as the world's 16th best winger in the RPI rankings with a score of 81.
Lined up for his 100th appearance for the club is second row Josh Beaumont. Byron McGuigan and Josh Strauss also return from duty with Scotland.
Looking ahead to the game, Sharks’ Director of Rugby Steve Diamond said, “It was good to get a win against Northampton, who are playing well, but a fixture down at The Rec. is always difficult. They have a passionate crowd, and we hope to come away with something to show for our efforts.”
Sale Sharks: 15.Chris Ashton; 14.Denny Solomona, 13.Sam James, 12.James O’Connor, 11.Byron McGuigan; 10.Rob du Preez, 9.Faf de Klerk; 1.Ross Harrison, 2.Rob Webber, 3.WillGriff John, 4.Josh Beaumont, 5.James Phillips, 6.Jono Ross (capt.), 7.Ben Curry, 8.Jean-Luc du Preez.
Replacements: 16.Curtis Langdon, 17.Tom Bristow, 18.James Jones, 19.Andrei Ostrikov, 20.Bryn Evans, 21.Will Cliff, 22.Luke James, 23.Josh Strauss
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Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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