SEBASTIEN Chabal has regained a place on the bench as Sale Sharks prepare to do battle with Saracens.

Chabal will take over from Sean Cox among the replacements after recovering from an ankle injury he sustained against Northampton Saints a fortnight ago.

Saracens were the last side to beat Sale at Edgeley Park, back in March, and Sharks director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre said: "They are a good side and well coached. We are expecting a tough game as Saracens will be buoyed by their big win over Newcastle last week.

"From our point of view, we have improved in each game since our opening day defeat at Leicester Tigers and we are focussed on carrying on the improvement."

For Farrell, tonight's match will give him a first chance to take on Jason Robinson, a team-mate when the pair played rugby league together for Wigan Warriors. The potential clash comes less than a fortnight after Farrell made his union debut.

Farrell has been named on the bench for Sarries, while Sale old boys Kevin Yates, Matt Cairns, Simon Raiwalui and Alan Dickins all start.

"We wanted to reward the starting XV for their efforts against Newcastle," said Saracens rugby director Alan Gaffney, explaining his decision to field an unchanged team.

"There are areas we still need to work on and we know a tough test awaits us."

Saracens will travel north without French star Thomas Castaignede, who has a calf injury.

Tickets for the 7.45pm kick-off are still available for the game, online at www. salesharks.com or by phoning 08712 220120.

SALE: Robinson, Cueto, Taylor, Bell, Foden, Hodgson, Martens, Sheridan, Bruno, Stewart, Jones, Day, White, Lund, JM Fernandez Lobbe. Reps: Briggs, Turner, Tait, Chabal, Wigglesworth, Larrechea, Mayor.

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