A NEW generation of Sharks players are set to graduate from Edgeley Park and become senior internationals.

While several of Sale’s highest-profile men – Sebastien Chabal (France) and Mark Cueto and Charlie Hodgson (England) – are not being utilised in the opening round of RBS Six Nations, two of Sharks’ uncapped players will step on to the international stage this weekend.

Scrum half Richard Wigglesworth is on the bench for England’s tie against Wales on Saturday, while prop Lionel Faure will make his debut starting for France against Scotland.

Although a former England Saxons representative, Wigglesworth has never competed for his country at the top level, but he is confident he has what it takes.

"I think I can have a career in international rugby," explained the 24-year-old. "I believe in my own ability and, given the chance and a run in the team, hopefully I can be an asset to the England side."

There were some Sale survivors of the culls that have been carried out by national coaches since the World Cup. For Brian Ashton juggernaut Andrew Sheridan is still first choice at loose-head prop, while Frank Hadden has again selected Sale skipper Jason White and Rory Lamont to start for Scotland on Sunday.

White was a doubt for his side’s opening tie after missing training on Monday due to a leg injury but he has now been deemed fit to play. The Scotland captain left Edgeley Park in a buoyant mood on Friday after his team battled to a 20-13 win against Harlequins, temporarily giving Sale a place in the top four before Saracens’ victory sent the Stockport-based side back into fifth place in the Guinness Premiership.

White believes, even with internationals away, Sharks are capable of battling back into the championship play-off positions. "We’ve got Wasps away [on February 10] which I think is a game we can target," the flanker explained.

"They are going to have guys away on international duty and we’re still going to have a strong side. Then we’ve got Leeds and Worcester at home, so we’ve got all the makings, and the run of games, to pick up more points and hopefully cement our place in the top four."

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