England fly-half Charlie Hodgson says his Sale side are looking to serve up a feast of running rugby in this weekend's Parker Pen European Shield final.

The Manchester club take on Pontypridd at Oxford United's Kassam Stadium this Sunday (2pm).

And Hodgson believes that playing it fast and loose will be the key to winning the trophy.

"The pitch looks very good, and it's just the sort of surface we want to play on," Hodgson said at yesterday's press conference.

"It gives us a chance to express ourselves and we'll certainly be looking to play some good rugby.

"I think it will suit us, because they're a very strong side up front and if we were on a mudbath, then they would take us to the cleaners."

Hodgson believes that the key to victory will be his side's speedy back three of Mark Cueto, Steve Hanley and, in particular, Jason Robinson, this week named the Zurich Premiership's player of the year.

"We've got some potent finishers out wide and we'll look to use them," he said.

"Everyone knows about Jason. He is amazing. He can create something out of absolutely nothing, and it is great to know he is back there.

"But Mark Cueto and Steve Hanley are special too. Mark has come from local rugby last season to finish top try-scorer in the Premiership."

Ticket sales for Sunday's game are going well, with around 10,000 snapped up so far.

But there are some 2,500 still available, and United are selling £15, £20 and £25 tickets on 01865 337533.

Pontypridd have already got rid of their 5,000 allocation, while Sale are expected to bring around 3,000 supporters.

Sale coach Jim Mallinder said: "It is going to be a great atmosphere. I've heard that the Pontypridd supporters are bonkers, and we realise that they are going to have more vocal backing.

"But we got used to that in the semi-final at Gloucester, and the lads are looking forward to playing in front of a passionate crowd."