Battle at The Rec: Bath vs Sale Sharks

Round 19 kicks off at The Rec. with Bath hosting rivals, Sale Sharks. After taking a hiding in Round 18 against Bristol Bears, Bath will be throwing all they can into this fixture to avoid a third defeat in a row.  

Sale have been in impressive form of late and currently hold five consecutive victories under the belt. Their most recent victim was Leicester, whom they strangled into a 26-10 loss.  

While Bath are somewhat out of the running as far as the play-offs are concerned, Sale have diligently orchestrated an admirable campaign thus far and find themselves in third spot on the log, four points behind defending champions Exeter Chiefs and 12 points behind log leaders Bristol Bears. It does look like Sale will participate in the semi-finals with the form they are enjoying at present. In light of recent results, their confidence will be high and, just four points behind Exeter, their motivation to put a big win on Bath will most likely be unwavering. 

However, last time the sides locked horns, it was Bath who took the spoils, putting their rivals to the sword 27-22 at the AJ Bell in Round 9.