Toulouse v Sharks: Tale of the tape
SPOTLIGHT: Stade Toulousain and the Sharks will go head-to-head in a European Cup quarterfinal at Stade Ernest-Wallon in the Sept Deniers district of Toulouse, in southwestern France.
The ‘temple to the oval ball’ will see these two star-studded teams face off for the first time.
However, a look at the pre-match tale of the tape makes for some intriguing and enlightening reading.
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The shoulder injury that has ruled Springbok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse out of action for approximately 10 weeks will be more costly than most can imagine.
Hendrikse picked up a shoulder injury when he scored the Sharks’ first try in their 50-35 win over Munster in a Champions Cup Round of 16 clash this past weekend.
The scrumhalf has since undergone surgery, which is a big blow for the Sharks as he is their first-choice scrumhalf.
Hendrikse has produced the most retained kicks in the European Cup this season, 14 – five more than any other player.
He has also made the most metres as a support carrier – 60.
In stark contrast, Toulouse can bank on the skill of Antoine Dupont, who made a Round of 16 high three try assists – two passes and a kick. That is a tournament-high six try assists.
See below for the pre-match Tale of the Tape at Stade Ernest-Wallon!
Source: @ChampionsCup
