Alex Sanderson demands Sale "box smart" in heavyweight clash with La Rochelle

Sale Sharks boss Alex Sanderson says his side must marry brain with brawn to get past La Rochelle.

The Cream of Manchester have never reached the semi-finals of Europe’s premier cup competition and are underdogs against hugely physical French opponents.

Sanderson, who won the Champions Cups three times with Saracens, believes the key to victory lies in backing the strengths of his unchanged team whilst understanding those of the opposition.

“They have the best defence in the Top 14, the most turnovers, the highest tackle efficiency, we are aware of that,” he said.

“But there is no point going in against another heavyweight and trying to slug it out. We have to box smart.

“We have to deny them momentum as it’s the momentum in keeping ball alive that makes them so dangerous.”

Sanderson is expert at tapping into the emotional mood of his teams and and whilst disagreeing that Sale are underdogs is more than happy to workk with the perception.

“If people are going to put us in the light of an underdog we’ll use it,” said the Chester-born 41-year old, who rejoined the club he spent six years playing for only in January.

“I’ll use whatever edge we can have to get an emotional spark out of a group of lads who are emotionally driven, a lot less process driven than some of the clubs I’ve been involved in.

“I don’t think we have done enough right now to earn the title of international contenders, but we are heading in the right direction.”

Maro Itoje begins his Lions tour preparations tomorrow by dropping down into English rugby’s second division.

Itoje joins England pals Elliot Daly, Jamie George and Billy and Mako Vunipola in lining up for Saracens at home to Championship rivals Bedford Blues .

Sarries, relegated for salary cap breaches, have rolled out the big guns as there is no room for error in their quest for an immediate return to the Premiership.

Team boss Mark McCall said: “All of the international players are ready to crack on with rugby now. They’re back in with their teammates, all keen to roll their sleeves up.

“The history of these players coming back from international windows has always been really positive. They’ve been amazing, the attitude they’ve brought.”

England take on Italy in Padua in the women’s Six Nations with a much-changed team to that which thrashed Scotland first time out.

Sarah Hunter returns for the first time in 13 months and captains a side showing 10 alterations. England need victory to reach the final.

Bath , with two tries from England prop Will Stuart, became the first English club to book a European semi-final place when they beat London Irish 26-13 in last night's Challenge Cup quarter-final at the Rec.

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