'I know I have the minerals for Sale job' - Sanderson

Alex Sanderson took over from Steve Diamond at Sale in January 2021 Sale Sharks boss Alex Sanderson says he has no doubts over his own position in the wake of a 85-19 home thrashing by Saracens on Sunday. Sarries ran in 13 tries as Sale slumped to their 10th defeat in 13 league matches this season. Sale take on fellow strugglers Harlequins on Saturday.

Defeat would put a top-eight finish and qualification for next season's Champions Cup in jeopardy for a team who have made the play-offs in four of their previous five campaigns. Sale currently sit seventh in the Prem table, six points clear of Gloucester and seven ahead of Quins. "When criticism is levelled at you, as it has been, I don't reflect on not whether I've got the minerals, because I know I have," said Sanderson.

"Actually, if anything, it has motivated me more to reward or give back to those who believe and to prove the doubters wrong. Sale beat Quins three weeks ago in the Champions Cup and Sanderson promises his side will be much improved on their return to the Twickenham Stoop. England flanker Tom Curry could make his return to action after a calf injury sustained in the pre-match warm-up for the Six Nations match against Italy in March.

"We're going to get a major response," Sanderson said. "100%, that's what we're getting "I just have faith in the group I have complete faith in the quality of people and the players that they are. "I'd put my mortgage on it that they're gonna give a good performance.