George Ford Sees Yellow for the First Time in 11 Years – Lucky It Wasn't Red
03/29/2025 03:17 PM
Sale Sharks climbed to fourth in the Premiership after a hard-fought 30-24 victory over Northampton Saints, with Tom Roebuck stealing the spotlight by crossing twice in a chaotic first half.
Roebuck runs riot as Sale take control
The winger bagged two tries in a frantic opening period, following Tom O'Flaherty's early score to give Sale the upper hand. Northampton, despite being reduced to 13 men at one stage, fought back with tries from Emmanuel Iyogun and Tommy Freeman to stay in the contest.
Pollock brilliance levels it up
Henry Pollock lit up the second half, powering through with a stunning individual effort to bring the scores level at 17-17 moments after the restart.
Rodd and Ford edge Sale ahead
Bevan Rodd's bonus-point try and a George Ford penalty looked to have sealed the deal for Sale, but Fraser Dingwall's late try kept Saints in the hunt until the final whistle.
Ford's rare moment of indiscipline
In a surprising twist, George Ford received the first yellow card of his 11-year professional career after a head-on-head collision, adding an unexpected blemish to his otherwise composed performance.
Sale stay in the play-off hunt
The tense win leaves Sale firmly in the five-team scrap for the last two play-off spots, with every point now proving crucial in the race for the semi-finals.
Five bolters who could make Andy Farrell's British & Irish Lions squad
With the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia on the horizon, Andy Farrell will already have a good idea of his core squad.
However, every Lions tour throws up a few surprises — those unexpected names who force their way into the conversation with standout performances and undeniable potential.
Here are five players who could make a late surge into the squad and punch their ticket Down Under.
Henry Pollock (England)
England's young openside sensation
Henry Pollock might not yet be a household name, but that could change very quickly. The Northampton Saints flanker has been turning heads with his all-action performances and ability to wreak havoc at the breakdown. Pollock's knack for sniffing out turnovers and his relentless work rate make him a nightmare for opposition teams.
Still young, but with a rapidly rising stock, Pollock's fearless approach and natural instincts at the breakdown could provide Farrell with a raw but exciting option in the back-row. If he maintains his current trajectory, he could easily be a surprise inclusion for the Lions.
WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:
THE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
- 4 x Night's accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
- 7 x Night's accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
- 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)
Wales' next great leader in waiting
Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter believes Dafydd Jenkins is destined to wear the famous red jersey of the Lions, and that moment could come sooner than expected. The 22-year-old lock might have been part of a struggling Wales side during the Six Nations, but his individual performances stood out.
Jenkins has the size, work rate, and leadership qualities that scream Lions material. He thrives in the engine room, where his physicality in the tight exchanges and his ability to disrupt opposition mauls make him a menace. With Maro Itoje and Tadhg Beirne expected to lead the lock options, Jenkins offers a young, hungry alternative who could thrive in the brutal environment of a Test series.
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