Ox Nche says the Sharks are targeting maximum points from their final Investec Champions Cup pool match against Clermont at Kings Park on Saturday.
Pool 1 is finely poised, with the Glasgow Warriors and Sale Sharks having already secured their places in round of 16, leaving Saracens, Toulouse and the Sharks battling for the remaining two spots.
The KwaZulu-Natalians sit on five log points and know that victory over winless Clermont is non-negotiable if they are to have any chance of progressing – with points difference also likely to play a decisive role.
CHAMPIONS CUP POOL 1: Sharks living on the edge
“The aim is to get maximum points,” Nche said on Tuesday. “We want to win and hopefully pick up extra points as well, to improve our points difference [of –48]. We’re going all in and seeing this as a playoff match.”
The Sharks are coming off a 26-10 defeat to Sale in Manchester. But that result came with an asterisk, as interim coach JP Pietersen sent a second-string side to England, leaving a large Springbok contingent in Durban to prepare for the Clermont clash.
Ironically, Clermont are opting to manage their resources this week. The Top 14 club, already eliminated from Champions Cup playoff contention, has left several first-choice players in France ahead of domestic commitments.
MORE: Depleted Clermont travel to Durban
Despite that, Nche insists there will be no complacency.
“Clermont play a very expansive game. Even though they’ve got a big French pack, they like to offload and play with tempo. They’ve been very consistent in how they play.
“It’s going to be a good challenge for us. We need to contain their forwards so their backs don’t get opportunities to shine.”
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The Bok prop also reflected on the broader demands facing South African teams competing on two fronts in the Champions Cup and Vodacom URC.
“It’s our job to play rugby,” he said. “We were used to playing one competition before [Super Rugby], and now these competitions require bigger squads and more rotation than we were used to.
“We just have to adapt. I actually think it will raise the quality of players coming through, because more guys get exposure. Every team has to find the right balance, make sure they’ve got fresh players, and that everyone is at a similar level.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
