Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Premiership Rugby match.
Both teams finished in the top five last season and were highly competitive. Sale Sharks traditionally prioritise a pragmatic style, while Gloucester Rugby play more openly, which points to a tight contest in the opening round.
Sale Sharks
Last season, Sale Sharks reached the play-offs but recorded the least productive attack among the top five with 529 points. The club take a defence-first approach, aiming to minimise errors and impose their physicality in the contact area. In October 2024, the team beat Gloucester Rugby at home by a narrow four-point margin, which is typical of their style. Sale Sharks look assured on home turf, but they often lack creativity in attack to turn superiority into big wins.
Gloucester Rugby
Gloucester Rugby finished fifth and even scored more points in attack than Sale Sharks with 576. At the same time, the defence was just as solid, and in terms of game tempo the squad often outstripped direct rivals. Over the summer, there was a clear focus on boosting the creative axis: Ross Byrne now has a key role and is expected to play closer to the gainline. Away from home, Gloucester Rugby frequently produce disciplined rugby and can grind out a result. Head-to-head meetings with Sale Sharks are almost always decided by a narrow margin, which underlines how competitive this match-up tends to be.
Sale Sharks vs Gloucester Rugby Prediction
Sale Sharks are favourites thanks to home advantage, but their attacking limitations make a big win unlikely. Gloucester Rugby can keep it within 19 points and turn it into a genuine contest through more varied attacking play.
