Adam Williams presents his prediction for the European Rugby Champions Cup match.
In comparison to the South African team, Exeter Chiefs look utterly dismal: not a single win in the league and they sit at the bottom. You couldn't imagine a worse start. Meanwhile, Sale Sharks, even with a game in hand, are currently in playoff contention in their tournament. Are the hosts set for a comfortable victory?
Sale Sharks
When compared to their form last season, Sale Sharks appear quite impressive. They have secured four wins from six matches in the United Rugby Championship — as many as they achieved in the entire previous campaign. Sale Sharks are on a three-match winning streak, including a home victory over the champions, Glasgow Warriors (28:24). At Hollywoodbets Kings Park, they have won six matches in a row, including three in the Currie Cup. The narrowest win was over the champions of two continents.
Exeter Chiefs
To fall below a team as hapless as Newcastle Falcons is nothing short of a disaster. Granted, playmaker and kicker Henry Slade missed the first five rounds of the Premiership due to injury, but one player alone cannot account for a lack of results. It all started with a painful and controversial loss to Leicester Tigers (14:17). Did psychology then play a role? Exeter Chiefs have been comprehensively beaten only by two London clubs, Saracens (14:29) and Harlequins (19:36). In five other instances, they have at least secured a losing bonus point.
Sale Sharks vs Exeter Chiefs Prediction
In their current form, Exeter Chiefs have almost no chance of winning. However, we don't think the English side will lose too heavily. While securing a bonus point for a narrow defeat may be challenging, staying within a 20-point margin is quite feasible.
