Exeter v Sale predictions & rugby union tips: Chiefs must be wary of Sharks

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Exeter Chiefs v Sale Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership on Sunday.

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 3pm Sunday

Best bet

Sale Sharks +5
2pts 8-11 Boyles

Match preview

Sale’s five-game unbeaten run has seen them muscle their way into the Premiership’s congested playoff picture and they can give a demonstration of their top-four credentials by running Exeter close.

A fifth win in six matches would move the Sharks level on points with the Chiefs, who entered the weekend in the fourth and final playoff spot following a run of three straight victories.

After a slow start to the season, both teams are hitting their stride at just the right time and have been boosted by the return of some key figures for this crunch fixture.

Scottish duo Stuart Hogg and Sam Skinner are recalled to Exeter’s starting line-up, while Bevan Rudd and Raffi Quirke start for Sale -Quirke having impressed in a pulsating 27–27 draw with London Irish last time out.

There’s plenty of talent amongst the replacements too but it’s Sale’s bench that catches the eye with Alex Sanderson able to call upon the likes of Faf de Klerk, Luke James and Byron McGuigan.

It’s that kind of strength in depth that marks Sale out as the team to fear in the race for the playoffs with the defensively sound Sharks having recently downed leaders Leicester and reigning champions Harlequins.

With their earlier road troubles behind them, a trip to Sandy Park should hold no fear for Sale, especially given Exeter’s mediocre home record of four wins and four losses in this season's Premiership.

The Chiefs haven’t been entirely convincing the last two weeks either, requiring late Joe Simmonds penalties to maintain their winning run and continuing a streak of closely-fought contests.

Exeter’s last 11 Premiership matches have been decided by nine points or fewer and it would be a surprise if they were able to sweep aside an outfit of Sale’s quality.

Not got a bet365 account? Bet £10 & get £50 in free bets

Open account offer. Minimum deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as bet credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Minimum odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude bet credits stake. Time limits/T&Cs apply. 18+ begambleaware.org

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport