Sale Sharks v Exeter Chiefs predictions and rugby union tips: Sharks lack bite

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

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 3pm Sunday

Best bet

Exeter Chiefs -3
1pt Evs bet365

Match preview

Exeter’s last Premiership win came at the expense of Sale and they could repeat that trick to get their season up and running.

The Chiefs beat the Sharks 40-30 in last term’s playoffs but haven’t tasted victory since, losing back-to-back matches at the beginning of the new campaign.

A slow start from Exeter is understandable after the late return of their international talent but the cavalry is starting to arrive with Stuart Hogg back to make his first start.

Influential flanker Dave Ewers is also named in the team for a Chiefs side who enjoy facing Sale, winning nine of the last 11 meetings.

The Sharks threw away victory at London Irish last week in a 31-31 draw and are still counting the costs of that result.

Sale are missing key individuals from their backline, including Byron McGuigan and Manu Tuilagi, while their bench is full of academy graduates and Exeter’s replenished squad should pull clear of the hosts late on.

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