Sale v Northampton: Teams

Cross-code convert Iain Thornley will make his Premiership debut when Sale entertain Northampton on Friday.

Thornley, who joined the Sharks on a three-year deal from Wigan RL in the summer, made his first-team debut in the LV= Cup victory over Leeds.

However he will now team up with Anitelea Tuilagi in the centres against the Saints.

"I've had a chance in two LV= Cup games and I'm absolutely over the moon," said Thornley.

"I think I've been here touching four weeks now and, thanks to everyone here, they've progressed me to give me this starting slot as soon as possible."

Northampton will also hand a first top-flight start to winger Jamie Elliott after the academy player impressed in the Anglo-Welsh competition.

Full-back Greig Tonks also comes into the starting XV, with Roger Wilson and Bruce Reihana returning from injury on the bench.

Opportunity

And having seen his side come through the opening rounds of the LV= Cup unbeaten, Saints boss Jim Mallinder is relishing a return to Premiership action.

"The LV= Cup is a good competition for us," Mallinder said.

"It gives the coaches an opportunity to try some new things and allows players time to show what they can do in the first team.

"We had two positive results against Saracens and the Dragons, and now we're looking to take that momentum back into Aviva Premiership rugby.

"Edgeley Park is a tough place to play and Sale have been going well this season, especially at home. The Sharks have showed how much strength in depth they've got by putting together some good wins in all competitions recently and Mike Brewer has them playing an effective style of rugby.

"However we've been playing well recently too, and I have confidence that the team we've selected can go to Stockport and get a positive result."

Sale Sharks: 15 Rob Miller, 14 Ben Cohen, 13 Iain Thornley, 12 Anitelea Tuilagi, 11 Chris Bell, 10 Nick Macleod, 9 Dwayne Peel, 8 Asaeli Boko, 7 Carl Fearns, 6 Kristian Ormsby, 5 Sean Cox, 4 Nic Rouse, 3 Karena Wihongi, 2 Neil Briggs (c), 1 Aston Croall.
Replacements: 16 Marc Jones, 17 Lee Imiolek, 18 Henry Thomas, 19 Chris Jones, 20 Neil McMillan, 21 Will Cliff, 22 Mathew Tait, 23 Matty James.

Northampton: 15 Greig Tonks, 14 Jamie Elliott, 13 Jon Clarke, 12 James Downey, 11 Paul Diggin, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Ryan Powell, 8 Phil Dowson (c), 7 Tom Wood, 6 Calum Clark, 5 Christian Day, 4 Mark Sorenson, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Brett Sharman, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Andy Long, 17 Regardt Dreyer, 18 Tom Mercey, 19 Mark Easter, 20 Roger Wilson, 21 Stuart Commins, 22 Shane Geraghty, 23 Bruce Reihana