Sharks v Sharks: Will there be some bite in Manchester?
SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks won’t allow last weekend’s heartbreaking defeat to the Lions to derail the progress they have made under interim head coach JP Pietersen over the last few weeks.
The Durban side will be heading to Manchester this week for their Champions Cup Round Three clash against Sale Sharks.
Pietersen’s side were close to making it three wins in a row in all competitions last weekend before Haashim Pead scored at the death to give the Lions a 23-22 victory in Durban.
They have put that result firmly behind them as they look keep their Champions Cup play-off hopes alive. The Sharks are fifth in Pool One, just one point behind Sale.
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“We know it’s not going to be easy, but we believe we can do something over in Sale and that’s the mindset in the group,” said Sharks loose forward Nick Hatton.
“We believe we are on the right track, and we just want to keep improving our game, and hopefully it will get us on the right side of the result this weekend.”
Hatton believes the Kings Park defeat will ultimately benefit the squad in the long run.
“We’ve taken our learnings from last weekend’s result against the Lions,” he said.
“It was obviously disappointing to be on the wrong side of the scoreboard, but I think it was one moment in the 80th minute that separated us, so we’ve taken our learnings and lessons.
“We’ve had two good days of prep this week, so we are just excited to get over to Sale and put our best foot forward as a group.”
A cold snap has also gripped the United Kingdom, making it a tough task for visitors to adapt to the conditions on Saturday.
“Going to Sale is an exciting challenge and an opportunity for the group. We know it’s going to be different conditions from what we have back here in Durban,” Hatton explained.
“It’s obviously a different tournament, and that’s what makes the Champions Cup special – going to Europe, and it’s an awesome opportunity to get an away win.
“We value the tournament, and we want to put our best foot forward this Saturday, and we know Sale is a strong side, especially at home.”
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