Sharks target maximum points at Kings Park

The Durban side head into the clash after suffering a 26–10 defeat away to Sale Sharks in Manchester last weekend, a result that left their qualification hopes hanging in the balance.

Nche says the focus will remain firmly internal, with the team treating the match with knockout intensity rather than looking too far ahead.

"The aim is to win and to get maximum points. We are viewing this one as a playoff match, so we are going all in."

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The Sharks’ Champions Cup campaign has been a stop-start affair, beginning with a heavy 56–19 loss away to defending champions Toulouse in early December, followed by a crucial home win over Saracens in their next outing.

As the pool stage reaches its decisive phase, Nche admits the team has shown they can create scoring opportunities but has not always converted pressure into points.

He believes improvements in execution and sustaining concentration for the full 80 minutes will be key if they are to keep their European campaign alive.

"We are creating opportunities and we are playing really well in parts of the game, but now just have to stay focused for the entire 80."

Clermont arrive in Durban already eliminated from Champions Cup playoff contention and have opted to rest several frontline players, leaving them in France ahead of key Top 14 fixtures.

Despite the changes, Nche has warned against underestimating the visitors, pointing out that French sides pride themselves on physicality and depth, regardless of personnel.

Nche has also credited interim head coach JP Pietersen with sharpening the team’s mindset during a demanding period of the season.

He says the emphasis has been on clarity, accountability, and players committing fully to their roles, which has helped strengthen the collective effort within the squad.

"We have guys with amazing ability in the team, it's just a change of mindset that he is mainly working on. Guys really have to start believing in themselves and in their abilities."

PERMUTATIONS:

The Sharks will almost certainly need a win to finish fourth in their pool and qualify for the round of 16. A narrow defeat could see them drop into the Challenge Cup, while a loss by 11 points or more, combined with Clermont securing a bonus point and the Sharks failing to do so, would end their European campaign altogether.