SALE Sharks crank up their preparations for the new campaign tonight by rolling out all their big guns for a potentially explosive pre-season friendly against Samoa.

The Pacific Islanders will arrive at Edgeley Park (kick-off 7.45pm) seeking to hone their preparations ahead of next month's World Cup where, among others, they will tackle defending champions England.

Sharks boss Philippe Saint-Andre, meanwhile, is hoping to see his side build on last weekend's encouraging opening friendly in Bayonne as the club builds towards next month's Guinness Premiership opener against Newcastle.

And to that end, the Sharks director of rugby intends to field his strongest-available side tonight, with fit-again fly-half Charlie Hodgson pencilled in for his first appearance at Edgeley Park since last October.

Also locking horns against the Samoans will be Hodgson's fellow England World Cup casualty Magnus Lund along with fellow internationals Dean Schofield, Chris Jones and Steve Hanley.

Standby

Scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth, who is on standby for Brian Ashton's World Cup squad will also be sent into battle, as will new South Africa signing Rudi Keil.

"I will be naming my strongest available side tonight," Saint-Andre confirmed.

"It will be a big occasion for the club and the supporters and we are looking to this game to build on last week's performance in Bayonne.

"Charlie played for 40 minutes in Bayonne and played very well. He kicked five out of five penalties and is looking very fit and refreshed."

Though Hodgson's return has hogged the headlines in the build-up to the game, the match will also be hugely significant for new Sharks captain Schofield, who will be leading the side into action at Edgeley Park for the first time.

Schofield says he can't wait. for tonight. "It's good for pre-season and good for the local supporters to see that calibre of team at Edgeley Park," he said.

"It's also good for the players. Every single one of us has got to pick our game up. It's a massive match that I can't wait for.

"I'm relishing the prospect of that challenge. It's ideal because we'll get to see who really wants it. We know it's going to be very physical."

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