Champions Cup: Sharks swap Durban heat for Salford freeze in clash against Sale

It was a humid 27 degrees when the Sharks were slugging it out against the Lions in Durban last Saturday. Now just a week later, the Sharks are bracing for a vastly different environment when they take the field in Salford.

The cold spell currently gripping Europe has forced temperatures to plummet and the high for Saturday is predicted at zero, with it likely to be below freezing when the players take the field in the evening.

Speaking to the press ahead of the match, Sharks loose forward Nick Hatton is relishing the challenge.

"Going to Sale is an exciting challenge and an opportunity for the group," said the 22-year-old.

"We know it's going to be different conditions from what we have back here in Durban. It's obviously a different tournament, and that's what makes the Champions Cup special - going to Europe, and it's an awesome opportunity to get an away win.

"We value the tournament, and we want to put our best foot forward this Saturday, and we know Sale is a strong side, especially at home.

"We know it's not going to be easy, but we believe we can do something over in Sale and that's the mindset in the group. We believe we are on the right track, and we just want to keep improving our game, and hopefully it will get us on the right side of the result this weekend."

The Sharks were in control in the closing stage of last week's United Rugby Championship clash against the Lions, only to lose via an 81st-minute try. But Hatton indicated that the team is ready to bounce back.

"We've taken our learnings from last weekend's result against the Lions," he added.

"It was obviously disappointing to be on the wrong side of the scoreboard, but I think it was one moment in the 80th minute that separated us, so we've taken our learnings and lessons.

"We've had two good days of prep this week, so we are just excited to get over to Sale and put our best foot forward as a group."

The Sharks have won one out of their two Champions Cup pool matches and a win will go a long way to securing a place in the playoffs of Europe's premier rugby competition. 

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