Sharks seek redemption in Manchester after URC heartbreak against Lions

The Sharks are eager to channel the pain of last weekend’s United Rugby Championship heartbreak into a statement performance in Manchester where they will face Sale Sharks in Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup clash (7.30pm kickoff).

Having suffered a gut-wrenching defeat to the Lions at Kings Park, decided by a try in the dying moments, the Durban side are now switching their focus to Europe and the unique demands of the elite continental competition. For Sharks forward Nick Hatton, the trip north represents both a challenge and an opportunity for growth.

“I think going to Sale is an exciting challenge, an opportunity for the group,” Hatton said as the team prepared to depart. “We know it’s going to be some different conditions to what we have back here in Durban and obviously a different tournament – the Champions Cup.” 

The change in environment is part of what makes the competition special, according to Hatton, who believes the exposure to European rugby is vital for the squad’s development.

“That’s what makes the Champions Cup special – going to Europe to play,” he said. “It’s an awesome opportunity to get an away win.”

The Sharks are under no illusions about the size of the task ahead. Sale are traditionally formidable on their home turf, particularly in winter conditions, but Hatton insists the visitors are determined to put their best foot forward.

“We value the Champions Cup and want to put our best foot forward on Saturday,” he said. “We know Sale is a strong side, especially at home.” 

While the disappointment of the Lions loss still lingers, Hatton believes the narrow margin of defeat offers JP Pietersen's charges encouragement. The Sharks had fought back impressively after surrendering an early lead, only to be undone in the final moments.

“Obviously it’s disappointing to be on the wrong side of the scoreboard, but I think it was one moment in the 80th minute that separated us,” he said.

That perspective has helped the squad move on quickly, with a clear focus on learning and improvement during a shortened preparation week. 

“We’ve taken our lessons and learnings from the Lions, had two good days of prep this week and are just excited to get over to Sale and put our best foot forward as a group,” Hatton explained.

Belief in the camp remains strong, with the Sharks viewing the "mountain" that awaits them in Manchester as a test of their progress. Saturday's loss was Pietersen's first in his brief stint so far as Sharks head coach that began with a Champions Cup triumph against a powerful Saracens outfit, which explains the belief in the Sharks camp. They have struggled on their European travels, however. 

“We know it’s not going to be easy, but we believe that we can do something in Sale. That’s the mountain in the group," Hatton said. "We believe we’re on the right track, we just want to keep improving our game, and hopefully that will get us on the right side of the result this weekend.”

The Sharks have five points while Sale have six, with both teams winning one match and losing one in Pool 1.