SALE Sharks may have finished on top of the Premiership table but director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre knows that league positions count for nothing when it comes to the title play-offs.

While the club have been celebrating claiming a home tie with London Wasps on Sunday in the semi-finals on Sunday, history is against them.

Wasps are the play-off masters, having won the title for the last three seasons despite never finishing top of the table, and Saint-Andre knows how hard Sunday's match will prove.

"We are under no illusions as to what lies ahead," he said.

"We know Wasps can play well and are well organised, but we'll be ready for them.

"It's been a fantastic season for us but if we want to be champions we need to win the next two games."

Vital

If the Sharks can overcome Wasps, they then face the prospect of taking on the other semi-final favourites Leicester Tigers at what has been dubbed their second home Twickenham.

Home advantage in the semi-final is traditionally vital and chief executive Niels de Vos is urging every one of the 10,641 crowd to play their part.

"We have played big games away at Munster and Biarritz this season when there was no doubt whatsoever that the passionate home support played a massive part in inspiring the home teams to victory," he said.

"Our most vivid memory of those crowds was the manner in which, en masse, they wore the colours of their team.

"We want to recreate that scene at Edgeley Park on Sunday and would urge every one to ensure that they come to the game proudly wearing their club colours."

To help, the club have decided to slash prices on their replica shirts, and are opening the shop from 10am on the morning of the game.

The Sharks Supporters Club will be holding a bucket collection for centre Robert Todd, who was recently diagnosed with skin cancer.

As an added bonus, de Vos has pledged to double the amount collected by fans.

LANCASHIRE have rung the changes to the side beaten by North Midlands last weekend for the match against Northumberland at Sedgley Park tomorrow.

Martin O'Keefe comes in at prop while there is a new second-row combination, with Paul Arnold and Eric Lund back in action. Adam Newton comes in at No 8.

CHESHIRE go into their match against Cumbria at Chester as favourites beating Durham.

"It was a remarkable game in that we totally dominated proceedings, especially in the first half, but had to defend solidly at the end to get the win." said president Graham Marrs.

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