Exeter Chiefs vs Sale Prediction: Sharks to go toe-to-toe with Chiefs

There's a double-header in the Prem Rugby Cup to take in on Saturday (15:00 kick-off), starting at Sandy Park, as Exeter Chiefs host Sale Sharks.

Alex Jack provides his best bets in his Exeter Chiefs vs Sale prediction piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the encounter in the West Country. 

Team News

Starting with the Chiefs, the hosts have Will Goodrick-Clarke, Julian Heaven and Josh Iosefa-Scott in the front row, while Lewis Pearson will skipper the side from the second row alongside fellow lock Rusi Tuima.

Martin Moloney, Finn Worley Brady and Richard Capstick complete the pack, while Tom Cairns and Will Haydon-Wood start in the half-backs.

Will Rigg and Ben Hammersley start in the centres, while Exeter have gone with a back three of Campbell Ridl, Paul Brown-Bampoe and Josh Hodge.

As for the Sharks, Tumy Onasanya, Tadgh McElroy and Patreece Bell are the starting front-row.

Patrick Hogg and captain Tom Burrow pair up in the second row, while Sale have a back row of Jacques Vermeulen, Jos Gilmore and Dan du Preez.

Dom Hanson and Tom Curtis combine in the half-backs, with Sam Bedlow and Joe Bedlow in the centres.

The visitors have gone with a back three of Arron Reed, Gurswin Wehr and Ollie Davies for the trip to the West Country.

Exeter Chiefs vs Sale Odds

Exeter are 1/5 to claim the victory on Saturday, while Sale are available at 7/2 to head back to Greater Manchester with the win. A draw at Sandy Park is currently 16/1.

Sale +10 handicap @ 20/21

Given it's the Prem Rugby Cup and with the highly-anticipated 2026 Six Nations fast approaching, it's little surprise to see many fringe players and academy stars given a chance to impress in this game on Saturday.

However, there are a few more senior players in important positions for this Sale side and that's why they should be able to push Exeter all the way at Sandy Park.

Former South Africa international Dan du Preez will have a big role to play at number eight, while in the backline Arron Reed will be hoping to show Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend what he's missing out on after overlooking the winger in his recent Six Nations squad.

Sale and Exeter have already crossed paths in this competition in Round 4, with the Sharks cruising to a 34-3 victory at CorpAcq Stadium.

While the performance might not be as comprehensive for Sale on their long trip to Devon, they should still have the players to make this a tight contest and the Sharks are good value with the +10 handicap here.

A victory might be a stretch for the Red Bulls but they should be able to push this youthful Saracens side and Newcastle are backed with +3.5 in the first half handicap market for this one.

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