Sharks turn focus to Sale after Lions setback in Champions Cup build-up

It’s shark week in the Investec Champions Cup, and JP Pietersen’s charges won’t have long to nurse the deep wound inflicted on them by the Lions in the United Rugby Championship this weekend, with a mouth-watering clash against the Sale Sharks looming next Saturday.

The Sharks head coach tasted victory in his first match in charge of the Durban franchise with an impressive 28-23 home win over a powerful Saracens side in round two of European rugby’s premier competition, and he will be desperate to rediscover that winning formula when his team travels to the CorpAcq Stadium in Manchester.

Saturday’s one-point defeat to the Lions at Kings Park was a bitter pill to swallow, particularly after the hosts showed resilience and attacking intent in a fiercely contested derby. 

Pietersen was proud of  the fight his team showed after falling behind early against their arch-rivals, yet there is plenty more to be positive about. 

Springbok star Aphelele Fassi showed signs of a return to his former best at fullback after a long injury layoff, while Bok prop Ox Nche added solidity to the pack on his return, his duel with Asenathi Ntlabakanye among the highlights of the derby.

Skipper Andre Esterhuizen continues to grow into the role, his powerful carries in midfield often sparking the Sharks’ attack, while Jordan Hendrikse’s boot is able to keep the opposition penned back in their half or to set flyers like Edwill van der Merwe and Makazole Mapimpi away.

Versatile Bok scrumhalf  Grant Williams put in a Player-of-the-Match performance after switching to the wing late in the match. 

The mobile and powerful Sharks loose trio also demonstrated their value to the Durban franchise once more, Manu Tshituka popping up with another try while brother Vincent and Bok skipper Siya Kolisi popped up all over the park.    

Yet the narrow margin of Saturday’s defeat also underlined the fine line the Sharks are walking as they juggle domestic and European ambitions during a demanding block of fixtures.

The Investec Champions Cup has already offered a glimpse of what Pietersen wants from his side: physicality up front, speed on the edges and a willingness to take on elite opposition. The victory over Saracens, one of Europe’s most seasoned outfits, injected belief into a squad that has endured a stop-start season across competitions.

Sale, however, present a very different challenge on their home turf. The English Premiership side are renowned for their abrasive pack, suffocating defence and ability to turn set-piece pressure into scoreboard momentum, particularly in cold northern conditions. For the Sharks, matching that intensity for the full 80 minutes will be non-negotiable.

The Durban outfit are also likely to view the Lions loss as a timely reminder of the standards required in knockout-style contests. Discipline, execution in the red zone and game management under pressure are all areas that will come under scrutiny ahead of the trip north.

With qualification for the Champions Cup knockout rounds still finely balanced, next weekend’s “Sharks versus Sharks” encounter carries significant weight. For Pietersen and his players, it represents an opportunity to respond immediately to Saturday’s setback, prove their resilience, and reinforce their credentials on the European stage.