'Goalposts shift again' - Alex Sanderson urges Sale Sharks to be more clinical ahead of new Premiership Rugby season

The “goalposts have shifted” for Sale Sharks following their run to the Premiership final last season and they must become more clinical, says Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson.

Sale stormed to the 2022/23 decider in impressive fashion but came unstuck against Saracens in a 35-25 defeat at Twickenham.

The new campaign kicks off this weekend, when Sale host Northampton on Sunday in one of three Gallagher Premiership matches being shown live on TNT Sports.

And Sanderson insists that while the efforts of last term should be applauded, the hard work continues to ensure they can take the next step and push for the title this term.

“I think the positivity around last year was justified,” said Sanderson.

“As Directors of Rugby, we probably couldn’t work any harder but once you look back and realise all the sacrifices you’ve made being a moody husband and bad dad, you have to say well was it worth it? I think it was, so it was time well spent.

“We saw some growth and I think there was an awakening for some of the younger lads that they’ve got the minerals.”

Sale’s improvement was stark last season, jumping from a sixth-place finish the year before to a runners-up spot.

The Sharks made a signal of intent by bringing in Luke Cowan-Dickie and Agustin Creevy over the summer, and now Sanderson is tasked with bridging the gap with Sarries and ending a 17-year wait for a league title.

“Having got to that point, the goalposts shift again. As the hangover subsides, so does the self-congratulation and it’s onto the next job,” Sanderson added.

“No man ever steps in the same river twice and we’ve used that approach with the lads – you grow, the environment is different, and you have to understand what’s driving you anew.

“Then on the back of that, it’s about how you move your game and shift it forward.

“One of the major differences between ourselves and the other successful teams globally like Crusaders, Leinster and La Rochelle is their efficiency and ability to take opportunities in attack.

“We feel like we can go toe-to-toe with any team at the set piece and we have to prove that again this year. By taking those chances and maximising them is somewhere we’re looking to grow.”

Sale Sharks v Northampton Saints is live on TNT Sports 1 on Sunday, October 15.

Kick-off is 13:30 UK time, with live coverage commencing at 13:00.

The opening game of the season between Bristol Bears and Leicester Tigers will also be shown live on Friday, October 13 at 19:45, as will Exeter’s clash with Saracens on Saturday, October 14 at 13:30.

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