Scotland star Richie Vernon is ready to take out his World Cup frustrations on Sale’s Premiership opponents.

The back row star, who joined the Sharks in the summer from Glasgow Warriors, linked up with his new team-mates late last week, still smarting from Scotland’s premature exit from the pool stages of the New  Zealand showpiece.

Despite a man-of-the-match display in Scotland’s do-or-die group finale against England, Vernon was unable to prevent an agonising 16-12 loss. The Scots’ loss, however, has proved to be Sale’s gain with Vernon and   Scottish colleague Alasdair Dickinson both coming off the bench last weekend to help guide the Sharks to a
fourth league win in six starts against Gloucester.

Vernon is in line to make his first start for Sale when they travel to Kingsholm  on Saturday for a return encounter with Gloucester in the LV Cup and the 24-year-old admits: “We were really frustrated about going out of the World Cup so early on.

“It was a real case of ‘what if’ for me and the rest of the Scotland guys. I think it will take a long time to get over it and for it to sink it.

“A lot of work and preparation went into the World Cup both before and during the tournament and we just felt that we let ourselves down a little bit.

“We were close but, in the end, we weren’t good enough and it was a case of what could have been.

“So maybe I’ve got a point to prove after what happened in New Zealand and rather than sit and dwell on things, it was great to come straight back to Sale from the World Cup. Fortunately, the guys have done brilliantly while those of us at the World Cup have been away.

“It was brilliant while we were in New Zealand to keep checking on our results and there was a really positive mood in the camp when I got back, and it was great to get involved straight away in the win against Gloucester at the weekend.

“A lot of people down here maybe won’t know too much about me and some of the other Scottish guys here, we came under the radar so know we want to try and make our mark on the Premiership.

“We have got a lot to prove as the guys already here have done their bit.

“Now it is up to us to show what we can do and take Sale forward.”

In trying to further both Sale’s cause and his own burgeoning reputation as a back row marauder, Vernon has the perfect role model to emulate – compatriot and a Sale legend, Jason White.

“For me, a great example in what I want to achieve at the club is Jason who came down here a few years ago,” Vernon added. “He was pretty much unknown when he first came to Sale but he did absolutely brilliantly and the goal for me is to try and emulate Jason if I can and try to become one of the better known players in the Premiership.

“His example is there to follow and if I achieve half of what he did then I’ll be happy.

“I’m excited about the future here and I’ve even got the rain from Glasgow to keep me company. In fact, so far it’s been even worse here than back in Scotland, so I can’t complain!” Tweet