Sale coach Phillipe Saint-Andre rested many of his big hitters last weekend ahead of the tough European opener at ASM Clermont Auvergme. 

The Guinness Premiership outfit will welcome back the likes of Luke McAlister, Dwayne Peel and Sebsatian Chabal for the trip to France. 

But Sale will be without Oriol Ripol who broke his arm in the dying seconds of the EDF Energy Cup match against Cardiff Blues. 

Clermont impressed in last season’s Pool of Death despite failing to quality and will be a huge threat again.