Sale Sharks will feel hard done by this European campaign, for when they were drawn in a group containing three of last year’s semi-finalists they acquitted themselves well but they can no longer progress.
Their two points after three games does not tell the full story however, after Steve Diamond’s team suffered a nail-biting 27-26 defeat to Munster in the opening round, which was compounded by last Saturday’s 19-15 reversal against Saracens.
Sharks now have nothing but pride to play for as they face the return fixture away to Sarries tomorrow, however flanker Andrei Ostrikov insists his side won’t roll over just because they are out of contention.
He said: “Every game we play, our target is to get a good result for us, especially the next game – we only have positive thoughts.
“We have to improve every part of the game that wasn’t good and it doesn’t matter if we play home or away, the object will be to show good resolve.”
The giant Russian marked a rare start last week with a rampaging run and individual try to get Sale back within a point on the hour mark. Unfortunately it was only a consolation in the end.
“[Scoring a try] was a good moment for me. I was happy – everybody is happy who scores tries especially against Saracens.
“We’re disappointed, of course, because it was very close. We had won three premiership games in a row before that.
“We want to keep winning games so it was disappointing but, you know, it’s a tough competition. Saracens, Clermont and Munster, in fact every team we play against, it’s tough.”
Ostrikov was pragmatic about the remaining rounds of the European Rugby Champions Cup and alluded to the need to maintain Sale’s excellent league form.
“Against Exeter in the Premiership at home will be a very good chance to enter the top four, so for us they’re massive games.
“The Premiership is one of the best competitions in the world and you always have to stay in good shape, have a good mentality and stay positive. You have to work hard but I’m enjoying it.”
The Salford side will be bolstered by the return of captain Dan Braid and lock Nathan Hines who will make his first start since September at the Allianz Park.
Team: Mike Haley, Tom Brady, Will Addison, Mark Jennings, Mark Cueto, Nick Macleod, Will Cliff, Ross Harrison, Shalva Mamukashvili, Vadim Cobilas, Nathan Hines, Andrei Ostrikov, Mark Easter, Dan Braid, Josh Beaumont
Replacements: Cameron Neild, Eifion Lewis Roberts, James Flynn, Jonathan Mills, Andrew Hughes, Nathan Fowles, Joe Ford, Andy Forsyth
Main image courtesy of Sale Sharks via YouTube, with thanks.
