French braced for Bok battle in Challenge Cup

Props Rabah Slimani and Giorgi Beria expect a bruising contest up front when Clermont locks horns with the Springbok-powered Sharks side in the Challenge Cup on Saturday.

The Sharks will make history when they face the three-time winners at London’s Twickenham Stoop, as the first South African team to feature in the last-four of the EPCR competition.

Test centurion Eben Etzebeth is one of eight world cup-winning Boks who could feature in a star-studded Sharks line-up this week, and speaking to Clermont’s club website, Slimani acknowledged the challenge that awaits the team.

“When we get to this stage, only the best teams remain. Obviously, everyone wants to win the title and the margin is reduced,” he said.

“It’s going to be a very big match, very tough against a team like the Sharks where we know that the slightest mistake can result in points.

“It’s partly the Springbok team and we know how they play by offering frontal engagement. We also have assets in this area and it’s up to us to use them well.

“It’s going to be a great experience to face these kinds of teams. After the Cheetahs and Ulster, it’s going to go up a notch.”

“It’s a big team, big names. Half the team played for the Boks,” Beria added. “They are well-known and recognised guys, but we will still try to compete with them.

“We know that the final phases can be decided on a detail, an error, or a fault. Discipline will also be important.”

However, forwards coach Julien Lairle has encouraged his charges to embrace the occasion against a formidable opponent.

“We are one match away from the final, two from the title,” he explained. “We have the opportunity to mark the history of this club and to reward ourselves for this difficult season.

“When you have the chance to enter the final stages, you have to sink your teeth into them.”

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