Sharks seek statement performance in Champions Cup opener against Toulouse

The Sharks step into one of the toughest arenas in European rugby on Sunday when they face French giants Toulouse in their opening Investec Champions Cup clash in Toulouse, and loose-forward Nick Hatton says the squad has arrived in France determined to produce a timely response to their poor early-season form in the URC.

The Durban side have endured a frustrating start to their URC campaign, with last week’s 44-17 defeat away to Connacht marking their fourth loss in six matches. But Hatton says the mood in the camp has lifted since arriving in the south of France, where the conditions and change of environment have offered a timely chance to reset.

“I think the conditions in Toulouse this week have been really nice,” Hatton said. “It’s been quite fresh outside, but there’s been some lovely sunshine, which has been really nice to train in. The mood in the camp has been good.”

The challenge awaiting them, however, is immense. Toulouse are six-time European champions, loaded with world-class talent, and remain one of the top-tier European tournament’s benchmark sides. With a partisan crowd expected at Stade Ernest Wallon, the Sharks will need to produce their most complete performance of the season if they are to trouble the highly decorated hosts.

Hatton admits the Sharks squad is still hurting from recent results but believes that frustration has sharpened their focus.

“I think the boys are definitely hurting from last week’s loss and how the season has gone so far,” he said. “But in saying that, we’re really excited for this weekend. Obviously it’s a massive challenge against Toulouse. We know what they bring to this competition in Europe, but I think it’s a challenge that we’re all looking forward to. It’s one that we’re working really hard towards.”

The Sharks have yet to beat the French giants in the competition, losing 54-20 in the 2023 quarter-final in France and 20-8 in Durban last season.

The Sharks’ Champions Cup squad has also undergone notable adjustments ahead of the clash. Cebo Dlamini, JJ Scheepers, Batho Hlekani, Frederick Potgieter and Phiko Sobahle have all been added to the roster. They replace Ox Nche, Cornelus Rahl, Manu Tshituka, Siyabonga Masuku and Eben Etzebeth, who have been deregistered for this stage of the competition.

While those changes shift the forward and backline balance, they also offer opportunities for younger players to experience European knockout rugby for the first time.

“I think that our results definitely haven’t been up to standard, but all I can say is, as a group, we’re working really hard to put the Sharks back where they need to be,” Hatton said. “We know it hasn’t been good enough, but as a group we’re fighting as hard as we can to turn this around and we’ve got a chance on Sunday to show that fight for each other.

“We’ve got 80 minutes to give our best, and we’re going to go out there on Sunday and make sure we deliver our best … a performance that the fans can be proud of.”

Kick-off at Stade Ernest Wallon is at 5.15pm (SA time) on Sunday.