Luke McAlister is set to make his home debut for Sale against Bayonne on Thursday night.
Watch Sale v Bayonne live on Sky Sports 1 from 7.45pm on Thursday
Luke McAlister is set to make his home debut in Sale Sharks' European Challenge Cup tie against Bayonne on Thursday night.
The New Zealand World Cup star will line up against former Sale full-back Daniel Larrechea for the return leg against the French team at Edgeley Park.
Sale have dominated the competition so far and lead Pool Four with 15 points from three games.
A 51-12 victory at Bayonne last time out means the Sharks head into round four in buoyant mood, and Larrechea accepts his side are big underdogs.
Larrechea told the
ERC Rugby website: "Sale Sharks only have big names in their squad and it is almost impossible to compare them to Aviron Bayonnais.
"I was lucky enough to be a champion of the English championship and play with them for two seasons and I know full well that what was already a high quality team has been strengthened even more with the signings of top quality international players.
"I think we need to try and take them by surprise from the start and try to disturb the game of their half-backs, especially their key man Charlie Hodgson because if you let him play his game then you are in trouble."
Sale have scored 22 tries in three games in the competition so far, but will be looking for bonus points to ensure a home draw in the quarter-finals.
