GEORGE FORD QUOTES AFTER SEMI-FINAL VICTORY OVER LEICESTER

FEELING COMPARED TO LAST YEAR

“Strange, I was on the other team last year. I can remember the semi-final last year (for Leicester against Northampton) being similar in terms of one or two things that could have swung the game either way especially in that first half against Northampton last year. It was a little bit similar today we had a fair amount of pressure and field position in the first half but Leicester are an incredible team for keeping us out and kept it close. They took the lead at the start of the second half which challenge us mentally but play-off games are like that. You have got to be in a place where you can respond to those types of things going up and down, for and against you. It was an emotional day as you could see with the crowd and everything in and around it. I am proud of the boys for sticking in it. That score to take us more than seven points ahead was probably the killer. Tough, tough game.”

IMPORTANCE OF THE OCCASION

“Never playing for Sale or playing against Sale have I ever heard the stadium like that. We speak about it all the time. One of our reasons why is to make the people up here proud and interested in rugby union to come out and support us. But more importantly for the kids to pick up a rugby ball and starting playing up here. It’s obviously challenging with football and rugby league but we are doing out utmost to make an impact on these kids. All we can do as a club is perform well, win games, fill out the stadium like today and entertain these people, giving them a winning team that care and compete. The number of smiles on kids’ faces is what it’s all about. When we’ve finished and long gone from the game they are the next people to take it forward. If we can inspire kids to play and northern lads playing for Sale that’s what we want.”

INJURY IN LAST SEASON’S FINAL ACTING AS A MOTIVATION

“Any final you play in is a privilege to play in but this is a whole different story. The way of getting here individually and as a team is completely different to last year. Saracens are an unbelievable team and you saw the way they played on Saturday so we understand the challenge ahead. But finals are funny things. They are on the day as you saw last year. We will be making sure over these next two weeks we give ourselves the best shot.

WORDS IN THE HUDDLE AFTER THE GAME

“This is probably an individual thing but I have experienced something before where you play well all year, win the semi-final and get to the final and not fire a shot. So I was saying we have got one to go, let’s enjoy tonight and each other’s company, be proud of what we have done but there is no point getting there and not performing so we will be working hard these next two weeks. The boys understand that and we will be ready for it.”

EMOTIONAL JOURNEY OF THE LAST YEAR

“I don’t think it is about any individual or about me. The challenge I had was it was probably my first long-term injury of my career. I was unbelievably lucky to get looked after by the medical team at Sale and that the coaches kept me involved. I tried to have an influence whilst I was injured. I was also lucky they had patience with me coming back from injury as it probably took me four or five games to get back to match sharpness. I am grateful for that and privileged to play in this team coached by Alex and the rest of the coaches. It’s a great time to be a Sale Sharks player.”

BATTLE VS OWEN FARRELL

“Is it just me against him? I say it every time I get asked about Owen, he is an unbelievable player and the influence he has on that team is great. But he is just one cog of that team. I am only one part of this team and I think the championship winning teams are not just about one individual. It’s about the collective on the field, the players who don’t take the field, the staff, coaches, everyone. We are just the lucky ones who get to go out there and represent the club. The next two weeks will be about everyone coming together, not making it about anyone individually and giving ourselves as a club the best preparation for two weeks’ time.”

YOUNGSTERS INFLUENCE (ROEBUCK, REED, CARPENTER)

“Unbelievable. The way they come in every day. The energy they bring in first and foremost. They want to get better. The positivity and fun they have along the way, the enjoyment. I love it, I love being in and around them. They drive each other and sussed it out pretty quickly to stay humble and keep their feet on the ground. As you see with their X-factor, both finishes and how they dealt with the ball in the air. They have worked incredibly hard at their game. They are absolutely massive for us and they will be going forward.

“Shocking bounce pass for Reed’s try. I knew it was a poor pass. I thought it had gone into touch. Some things you just can’t coach. It shows how skilful and naturally talented Reedy is. Tom Roebuck and Joe Carpenter are as well. They were so good today.”

SPIRAL BOMBS WORKING

“It’s just one variation to our game where we feel we can impose pressure. It’s good when you have got the likes of the Curry twins and Jono Ross chasing them. The main part of that play is the pressure they put on.

PREPARATION FOR THE FINAL WITH TWO WEEKS BREAK

“We will use it as well as we can. The brilliant way I have noticed Alex runs the programme is he will give us the best possible two weeks preparation. I am sure we will get the balance right. There were a few injuries and knocks today. As players we will enjoy each other’s company tonight and that’s the next most important thing as we are going to need to come closer over the next two weeks to go and do what we want to. I am unbelievably excited. These are the games you want to play in as a player. The build-up will be great and it’s what you dream of as a kid. I can’t wait for these next two weeks.”