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Sale’s Epi-centre

2/11/2005

EPI Taione looks set to make his debut for Sale Sharks in their next home game against Worcester Warriors.

The powerful player who can play at centre, wing or in the back row, signed from Newcastle Falcons in the summer.

He was initially ruled out to recover from a bone graft but after reaching full fitness Taione was almost immediatelyback out of action after sustaining a knee injury while playing for Sale's Jets.

Taione's return has come at just the right time for Sharks who have lost players to England, Scotland, Argentina and France for the Autumn internationals.

Sale captain Jason Robinson said: "The likely debut of Epi Taione, a man who makes current cult hero Sebastian Chabal look small, will be worth the entrance fee alone.

"He is a truly phenomenal specimen and after the frustrations of early season injury he is straining at the leash.

"When we let him go, he will set this league on fire!"

Since joining the Sharks in 2000 Robinson has been absent with England during international periods and he is looking forward to staying with his team.

"The international period is vital to the team's desire to win the championship this season," said Robinson.

"Our home game against Worcester may not be a glamour tie but it as every bit as vital to us as games coming later in the season.

"We aim to go through the league season unbeaten at Edgeley Park and creating a hostile atmosphere is an essential part of helping the team achieve that."