Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond has set out the changes he would make to "boring" scrums to ensure the sport catches the imagination of the watching public.

The Sharks take on Gallagher Premiership leaders Exeter on Friday at the AJ Bell Stadium eager to impress after a poor display at Harlequins last week.

A 16-10 defeat was not the start Sale wanted to make on rugby's resumption and the contest resembled a pre-season game on occasions, while the ball was only in play for a limited amount of time.

He praised the consistency Rob Baxter gets out of his players in the build-up to the fixture, but is sure his group can rise to the occasion.

"Exeter have probably done enough already to guarantee themselves a home semi (in the play-offs)," Diamond insisted.

"What we have got to do is put in one of our performances we can do, and we can pull out of the bag, and challenge Exeter. We need to win the game to stay in contention."

No fans will be present at AJ Bell Stadium to watch two of the league's title rivals go head-to-head, but Diamond was able to provide an update on when they could return in a pilot trial – albeit not before September.

He added: "We have been approached by the union and PRL about doing the trial. We are willing to do that and the stadium are willing to."