The Manchester men were 29-0 down inside half-an-hour before losing to Rotherham Titans 43-28 and a 17-5 deficit inside the opening quarter led to a 27-22 reverse at Sedgley Park last week, but the DoR is under no illusions of what is on the cards.
Rams’ record against the Northerners is poor – just two wins in nine and four straight losses on the road, and Seb admitted: “It’s always a tough game against Sale.
“Heywood Road is a great place to go, a top atmosphere and one our fans have in their diary – they can have a few beers on the train and then enjoy a great game.
“Sale lost to Sedgley last week, but it was an interesting game between two good sides and it’s early-season, form is very short-term, and they got two good wins in pre-season.
“We’re looking forward to the contest and I expect them to come out firing.”
Boxhall only starting change
Off the back of last week’s scintillating 73-24 triumph against Dings Crusaders, head coach Seb makes just one change to his starting line-up as Sam Boxhall replaces Ollie Hodgson at scrum-half, with the latter dropping to the bench.
With another No. 9, Louis Pereira taking man-of-the-match honours for the Development XV in their super win at Bristol University on Wednesday, and the classy duo of Ed Hoadley and Ollie Cole soon set to return from the sidelines, the DoR confessed he has a huge range of options.
He said: “It’s a tough selection! Boxy had an excellent pre-season and is very effective with the group and Hodgy just keeps developing.
“It was around a year ago he got the shepherd’s crook but just look at what he’s doing now – outstanding.
“Louis took a massive step forward this week with his performance. He had a slightly disjointed pre-season managing a new ankle, coming to a new club, but he’s found his stride.
“He was very good when he came on against Dings, and then he revelled in a Wednesday game against a university – he loves the environment and took the game by the scruff of the neck.
“Then we’ve got Ollie (Cole) and Ed fighting back to fitness, which will add to the competition.”
And as Rams head north for the second part of a three-match away trilogy – Leeds Tykes following in a fortnight’s time – Seb ended by saying: “The guys are enjoying trying to play the continuity style, but it’s not like we have to put it out there every week – it’s just the way we feel we want to go.
“Ultimately, it’s about the effort the players put in, and they can’t be faulted so far.”
