The one hurdle the Sharks must overcome

29/04/2024 17:12

SPOTLIGHT: When the Sharks 'host' French outfit Clermont Auvergne in a Challenge Cup semifinal at Twickenham Stoop on Saturday, it will be a clash of teams with contrasting réclame.

Clermont Auvergne is the most decorated team in Europe's second tier, having won the Challenge Cup on three occasions - the last time in 2017.

While Clermont Auvergne has only been runners-up - 2013, 2015 and 2017 - in the premier competition, the Champions Cup, it is in the Challenge Cup where they have left their mark.

The were winners in 1999, 2007 and 2017, as well as runners-up in 2004 - making them joint-record winners of the tournament.

While the French team is chasing an historic fourth title, the Sharks are chasing their first-ever 'international' success.

They are determined to become the first South African franchise to win any honours in Europe.