Overview
- Kick-off is 7.45pm on Friday, January 2, with live coverage on TNT Sports 1 and streaming on discovery+, and the broadcast begins at 7pm.
- Both squads are named, with Bristol starting Louis Rees‑Zammit at full-back and Ellis Genge up front, while Sale field George Ford at fly-half and Tom Curry at No 8, and Joe James is the referee.
- Bristol arrive in the top four after a 36-27 win over Newcastle and a strong recent run that has propelled them into the play-off places.
- Louis Rees‑Zammit recently signed a new long-term deal at Ashton Gate and has four tries in his last three starts, including a brace against Newcastle.
- Sale come in off a 43-17 victory over Harlequins but have struggled away from home this season, with road defeats including a 65-14 loss at Saracens.