De Kock: Sarries in uncharted territory

 

De Kock, 36, was a fresh faced 30-year-old the last time Sarries failed to win in three games, back in April 2009.

 

But the South African scrumhalf thinks a win at domestic rivals Sale can reignite their stuttering season and help them steal a march on Munster and Clermont Auvergne, who sit first and second respectively in Pool One.

 

"We are in uncharted territory a little, in the fact that in three games, we haven't won – but we have a group of guys here who have history of responding to setbacks," the former Western Province man said.

 

"We were up against a very patient and a well-drilled Exeter team [last weekend in the Premiership].

 

"They gave us nothing to hit, in term of defence, and they played a very clever kicking game. 

 

"Our error count was high which gave them field position, and I suppose nine penalties tells the whole story."

 

Sarries and the Sharks have already met once this season and it was Mark McCall's men who came out on top 40-19 in the Allianz Park battle.

 

But the Sharks have won their last three matches in the Premiership with victories over Newcastle, Harlequins and London Irish and de Kock wants his side to get out of the blocks to avoid a third straight defeat.

 

"If we are looking for positives, then the fight back in the second half is something we can take away," He said.

 

"It's always a positive that we didn't roll over and die. We got ourselves back in the game in certain parts, but not enough to challenge them really.

 

"It was difficult to get out of our own half, and I think we must have had only two or three set-pieces in their half, and it's difficult to play rugby like that, especially catch-up rugby."