Sale Sharks head coach Bryan Redpath believes that Sale’s improving away form will help them to victory against Oyonnax in France this evening.
Sale currently sit top of Pool 1 in the Amlin Challenge Cup and face back-to-back matches with Oyonnax who are yet to win in the competition.
Redpath, who spent time in France as a player with Narbonne, knows the confidence the Sharks have gained from previous away days will stand them in good stead.
“It would be huge for us to get another away win after beating Worcester away in the first match so this becomes a vital game for us to bring them back here to try and push on in the group stages,” he told the club’s website.
“This game is a big game. Generally French teams are usually proud of their home performances and results so it will not be easy, irrelevant of what side they choose, it is a big challenge for us.”
With temperatures as low as minus five expected for kick off Oyonnax have had their pitch under cover all week with hot air pumping across the ground to keep it playable.
After a good start in the French domestic league, the Top 14, Oyonnax now sit in thirteenth place one spot above fellow Pool 1 side Biarritz.
“It will be a tough environment so we have got to be mentally very focussed,” Redpath continued.
“Our performance has been good away from home. We got results away from at Quins in the LV and Worcester in the Amlin and even against Northampton, we sadly lost, but performed well so we have got to try to carry that confidence through and enjoy the game as much as possible.
“It is tough in France no matter who you are playing.”
Image courtesy of Sale Sharks via YouTube, with thanks.
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