Sharks prepare for hostile crowd, French flair at Lyon

The Sharks have said they are not ignorant of the challenge that awaits them when they play their Challenge Cup last 16 match against Lyon in France on Sunday (kick-off 6.30pm).

Defence coach Joey Mongalo told media they expect the hostile home crowd to lift the performance of a passionate and flair-filled Lyon side that is strong in set-pieces while featuring its share of individual brilliance.

The teams clash after the Sharks crashed out of the Champions Cup and into the second-tier competition after one win from four games and suffering a discouraging accumulative points difference of -87 in their Champions Cup pool.

But they have done well in the United Rugby Championship (URC) since then (winning four out of six games). Now they look to defend their Challenge Cup title.

Lyon qualified for the last 16 after finishing second in their pool with three wins from four games.

They beat Cardiff, Zebre and the Cheetahs, only losing to Connacht in Ireland though it came at a 52–24 drubbing.

Lyon lie seventh in the Top 14 with nine wins from 20 matches. They finished 11^th last season. The French side have progressed to the knockout stages of both the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup but have never won either title.

Home crowd has impact in France

Sharks defence coach Joey Mongalo warned that even mid-table and struggling French sides could not be underestimated at home.

“Anybody who follows the Top 14 sees that teams will win at home. Even teams that are struggling will put much emphasis on winning at home,” he said.

“We can expect a hostile crowd and a passionate group that we play against. We are not ignorant or unaware of what’s coming so we’ve used these three days of preparation to get ourselves ready for that.”

Mongalo explained after flying out on Thursday they would use their final days of preparation to connect and prepare mentally.

Sharks face X-factor players and strong set-pieces

The coach said Lyon are a quality side in their own right.

“We’ve looked at them. Like a typical French side they’ve got a lot of French flair. They’ve got a lot of X-factor players, especially in their backs.”

These include flyhalfs Léo Berdeu and Paddy Jackson, scrumhalf Baptiste Couilloud, Fijian centre Semi Radradra, wings Ethan Dumortier and Vincent Rattez, and fullback Davit Niniashvili, who have all played for their countries.

“Their forwards are large units so they will help them set-piece-wise. They’re a strong scrum team. They can maul quite well.

“So I would say in summary: a transition game, French flair we have got to deal with. Strong set-pieces and individual brilliance from a few individuals that we’ve got to deal with.”