Premiership Rugby

Ben Curry: 'I'd Like People To Stop Doing That, Please'

Ben Curry: 'I'd Like People To Stop Doing That, Please'

The Sale Sharks dominated the Bristol Bears 38-0 in the Premiership, with Ben Curry shining and calling for respect for his twin Tom’s recovery.

Dec 28, 2024 by Philip Bendon
Ben Curry: 'I'd Like People To Stop Doing That, Please'

The Sale Sharks delivered a defensive masterclass at Ashton Gate on Friday, shutting out the Bristol Bears 38-0 in the Gallagher Premiership. 

The emphatic win marked Sale's first league points on the road this season and underscored their credentials as title contenders.

Flanker Ben Curry, named Player of the Match for his all-around brilliance, called for a shift in the narrative surrounding his twin brother, Tom, who continues his comeback from a serious hip injury. Ben led the defensive effort with a match-high 18 tackles and capped off his performance with a try.

“Can people stop talking about his longevity? He’s 26,” Ben said after the game. “Every time I see about his longevity, he seems fine. You saw that tonight; he was banging people. I really want people to stop talking about that because he is in unbelievable condition; he is one of the best players in the world when he is on it. He is going to be playing for a long time, so I’d like people to stop doing that, please.”

Tom Curry, who underwent career-saving surgery last February, is being carefully managed by Sale, including stem cell therapy to support his recovery. 

On Friday, he contributed solidly at blindside flanker despite being temporarily sidelined for a blood injury and later subbed off with the game in hand.

The Sharks’ victory was as much about team effort as individual brilliance. 

Under new defense coach Byron McGuigan, Sale nullified Bristol’s potent attack, handing the Bears their first scoreless Premiership game since 2016.

“Byron works incredibly hard. In terms of the system, it is very detailed, but I think you’ve seen tonight the lads want to put their heads in dark places for him,” Ben Curry said. “I want to hit for Byron, lads want to hit for Byron, and that’s 99% of defense. So, when you have a defense coach for whom you want to put your head in dark places, I think you get performances like that.”

With the win, Sale reaffirmed its defensive dominance and silenced one of the league's most prolific offences. 

The Sharks will look to build on this momentum as they push for a strong finish to the Premiership season.

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

Join The Rugby Conversation On FloRugby Social