Both sides have at times lacked cutting edge, but they boast squads packed with talent and will be desperate for success as they eye a play-off place in Europe’s premier club rugby competition.
Each has a single win from two games so far, and for the loser this weekend, should there be one, progression to the next stage will become difficult.
Durban Sharks back-rower Nick Hatton admits his side will need to be at their best but is confident they caglobaln come away with a victory, despite the expected icy conditions that are a world away from summer in Durban.
“It’s an exciting challenge for us as a group. We’re going to be playing in very different conditions to what we’re used to here in Durban. That’s what makes the Champions Cup so special,” Hatton said.
“We have a huge amount of respect for the Champions Cup and we want to deliver our best this weekend. We know it will be a tough challenge to beat a team like Sale on their home ground.”
The Sharks lost a United Rugby Championship clash at home to the Lions last weekend, despite dominating large periods of the contest. It continued a pattern of inconsistent form this season, despite the star quality within their squad.
“We learned a lot of lessons from the disappointing defeat against the Lions. It was just one moment in the 80th minute that cost us the game,” Hatton said.
“We know it won’t be easy against Sale, but we’ve had two good days of preparation and we believe we can achieve something very special there.”
South Africa’s Sharks previously won the secondary European club competition, the Challenge Cup, in the 2023/24 season, defeating English side Gloucester in the final.