Facebook Pixel Sharks seek statement performance in Champions Cup opener against Toulouse | The Mercury - newspaper - Read this story on Magzter.com

Try GOLD - Free

Sharks seek statement performance in Champions Cup opener against Toulouse

The Mercury

|

December 05, 2025

THE Sharks step into one of the toughest arenas in European rugby on Sunday when they face French giants Toulouse in their opening Investec Champions Cup clash in Toulouse, and loose-forward Nick Hatton says the squad has arrived in France determined to produce a timely response to their poor early-season form in the URC.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

Sharks seek statement performance in Champions Cup opener against Toulouse

Sharks loose-forward Nick Hatton says they're fighting as hard as to can to turn their season around, and hopes Sunday's Champions Cup clash against French giants Toulouse will be a watershed moment. | BackpagePix

(BackpagePix)

The Durban side have endured a frustrating start to their URC campaign, with last week’s 44-17 defeat away to Connacht marking their fourth loss in six matches. But Hatton says the mood in the camp has lifted since arriving in the south of France, where the conditions and change of environment have offered a timely chance to reset.

"I think the conditions in Toulouse this week have been really nice," Hatton said.

"It’s been quite fresh outside, but there’s been some lovely sunshine, which has been really nice to train in. The mood in the camp has been good."

MORE STORIES FROM The Mercury

The Mercury

The Mercury

Equites reports strong financial growth and growing South Africa development pipeline

EQUITES Property Fund reported a sturdy 3.6% rise in portfolio value in 2025 as it pivots to its SA assets in a market where the Middle East conflict is likely to boost already strong demand for state-of-the-art distribution and logistics centres.

time to read

2 mins

May 15, 2026

The Mercury

A guide to financial independence

FOR many South Africans, seeing their salary arrive in their bank accounts is accompanied by a sense of relief, even if only for a moment; there are funds to cover their home loan, school fees, car repayments, medical aid, and other insurance premiums while navigating the rising cost of groceries.

time to read

2 mins

May 15, 2026

The Mercury

Supreme Court of Appeal reduces rapist's life sentence to 15 years

A CONVICTED rapist who was serving a life sentence has received a lifeline from the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) after his sentence was reduced to 15 years.

time to read

2 mins

May 15, 2026

The Mercury

Farmers warn of mounting financial pressure as Grain SA pushes for urgent support measures

SOUTH Africa's grain producers are facing mounting financial strain as soaring input costs, weak commodity prices and growing debt pressures squeeze profitability across the agricultural sector.

time to read

2 mins

May 15, 2026

The Mercury

Crown is within Pirates' reach

THIS weekend, all eyes will be on Orlando Pirates, and for good reason, as they stand to end Mamelodi Sundowns’ Premiership dominance.

time to read

1 mins

May 15, 2026

The Mercury

The Mercury

Navigating a new international order

Trump-Xi meeting significance goes beyond bilateral negotiations

time to read

3 mins

May 15, 2026

The Mercury

Edwin Sodi, business partner ordered to pay back R40 million over failed prison project

CONTROVERSIAL fraud and corruption-accused businessman Edwin Sodi and his partner Jeophrey Ramahlaleroa must return nearly R40 million to Hollard Insurance following a botched R283m project to upgrade and build accommodation at a Free State prison.

time to read

2 mins

May 15, 2026

The Mercury

Dobson: We blew it last week, but must put it right against Cardiff

THE Stormers have made peace with the fact that they are unlikely to overtake Glasgow at the top of the United Rugby Championship as the competition enters its final round this weekend.

time to read

2 mins

May 15, 2026

The Mercury

A playbook for the 2026 local government elections

WHEN President Cyril Ramaphosa stood before an audience in Ekurhuleni on April 30 and announced that South Africa would go to the polls on November 4, he said something every political party should tattoo on its campaign wall: “The race has started, and people will do the best they can”

time to read

5 mins

May 15, 2026

The Mercury

EFF, MK Party walk out of Parliament to protest over Ramaphosa motion

THE parties organised under the Progressive Alliance banner, including the MK Party and EFF, yesterday walked out of the sitting of the National Assembly when Speaker Thoko Didiza refused their request to debate the motion of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa.

time to read

3 mins

May 15, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size