Last Season: 2nd
Prediction: 5th
Coaches: Jim Mallinder/Steve Diamond
Captain: Bryan Redpath
Title odds: 16-1

Last season

Sale enjoyed a tremendous 2001/2 season, losing just eight games on their way to second spot in the Premiership.

A hard fought 35-25 away win over Bristol in their opening game set the tone for a season in which they proved capable of matching virtually every side in the league.

Using the pace of the sensational Jason Robinson at full-back and the hard-won experience of Scottish stalwart Bryan Redpath at scrum-half, Sale displayed an ability to upset the odds.

And their hard-fought victory in the Parker-Pen Shield final over Pontypridd was just reward for a season in which they progressed from mid-table hopefuls to title contenders.

Ins and Outs

Most English fans are savouring the prospect of watching centre Graeme Bond in action for Sale this season.

The former ACT Brumbies player, who can also play on the wing, proved outstanding against the Lions for Australia A in 2001 and at just 28 years old, should still have plenty left in the tank.

Bond will join Sale's only other summer purchase - Johnny Rodham from Harlequins.

Elsewhere, the club released a total of 12 players over the summer.

The list included Adam Black, Les Bone, Jim Bramhall, Steve Davidson, Paul Devlin, Alan Dickens, Mark Giacheri, Bernard Jackman, Martin Shaw, Andy Whittle, Karl Long and Jon Sewell.

Rowen Shepherd who did not play last season due to injury has now joined the coaching staff, while Billy McGinty has left the club after his contract expired.

Rising stars

Charlie Hodgson
Making his full England debut in the 134-0 hammering of Romania, Hodgson grabbed a personal tally of 44 points.

Despite the less than salubrious nature of the opposition - Hodgson's pace off the mark and accuracy with the boot made him an instant favourite with the England faithful.

And with no obvious replacement for Jonny Wilkinson, he is well-placed to cement his position in an extended England squad.

At just 22-years-of-age, Hodgson has plenty of time to prove his ability - something he no longer has to do at Heywood Road after numerous impressive performances for the Sharks.

Mark Cueto
The wing enjoyed a superb performance for England A against Argentina last season and has been tipped by many as a future international regular.

He ended the season as one of the Premiership's top scorers, notching up 16 tries and also made Clive Woodard's senior 30-man training squad ahead of the Six Nations clash against Ireland.

Prediction

Coach Jim Mallinder has built an impressive squad containing a number of bright young players - many of whom are already in the reckoning for international honours.

Alongside Hodgson and Alex Sanderson, who have already represented England, Nick Walshe and Cueto are also likely candidates for the future.

Redpath bosses the side superbly from scrum-half and with the pace of Robinson to call upon, as well as the power and class of new signing Graeme Bond, Sale should continue to push their weight at the top of the table.