Nick Hatton says the Sharks are ready for the challenge of facing Toulouse in Sunday’s Investec Champions Cup clash at the Stade Ernest-Wallon.
The Sharks head into Europe on the back of a 44-17 defeat to Connacht that left them 14th on the Vodacom URC log after six rounds and with just one win this season.
Now they face an even bigger test: a star-studded Toulouse side that has beaten them twice in the Champions Cup – 54-20 in the 2023 quarter-final in France and 20-8 in Durban last season.
Hatton says the Sharks know the size of the challenge ahead but insists they are relishing the opportunity.
“The conditions in Toulouse this week have been really good – fresh, with some lovely sunshine – and it’s been great to train in,” said the loose forward.
“The mood in camp is good. The boys are definitely hurting from last week’s loss and from how the season has gone so far, but we’re really excited for this weekend.
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“We know our results haven’t been good enough, but as a group we’re working really hard to put the Sharks back where they deserve to be.
“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. We have plans in place and we’re going to make sure we deliver a performance the fans can be proud of.”
Kick-off for Sunday’s match is 5:15pm.
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Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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