Sale Sharks v Connacht: All You Need To Know

A place in the semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup is at stake on Friday night when Connacht travel to Sale for the second time this season.
 
Two months after a dramatic win over Bordeaux to secure qualification to the knock-out stages, Andy Friend's side head to England knowing they are just two wins away from an appearance in the Challenge Cup final at St. James' Park Newcastle on Friday May 10th.
 
Here's all you need to know about the clash.
 
When’s the game?

Kick-off at the AJ Bell Stadium is at 7.45pm this Friday 29th March.

What do I need to know about our opponents?

Sale Sharks currently sit in 6th place in the English Premiership after 8 wins and a draw from 17 games. Like Connacht they also won 5 games from 6 in the Challenge Cup pool stages. Among their standout players include South African international scrum-half Faf de Klerk, and England internationals Chris Ashton and Tom Curry.

How’s our recent record against them?

It was the home sides who reigned supreme when the two sides met during the pool stages earlier in the campaign. Sale secured a deserved 34-13 win when they met last October, before Connacht came out on top in early January with a narrow 20-18 win at The Sportsground. Hanging on to claim the win ultimately proved to be the difference between Connacht crashing out in the pool stages and moving on to the last eight.

https://youtu.be/eAHnVeK_Oik

How will they line up?

The Connacht management team will announce their squad at 12pm on Thursday when it will be named on connachtrugby.ie and the Connacht Rugby social channels.

How can I watch it?

There will be live TV coverage of the game on BT Sport 2 with coverage beginning at 7pm while Galway Bay FM will have live radio commentary.

Where can I buy tickets?

If you plan on heading over, please note that tickets are on sale directly from Sale Sharks and can be bought HERE.

• salvcon