So no, this is not the first Stade Toulousain – Sharks in history, since the South African formation had come win a friendly match (17-31) in February 2016. But this is the first time that the two teams have met in the Champions Cup. Inevitably, since the South African provinces did not play in this competition before this season. For this quarter-final at Ernest-Wallon, the leaders of the Top 14 should logically start as favorites, six days after having dominated in the 8th at the Stadium other Sudaf ‘, the Blue Bulls of Pretoria (33-9).
But their compatriots from Durban, who defeated the Irish from Munster (50-35) last Sunday, are much more frightening even without the 2nd line of the Springboks Eben Etzebeth, injured and staying in the country. With Mapimpi, Am, Mbonambi, Thomas du Toit (ephemeral former Toulouse) and captain Kolisi, the Sharks still rely on five 2019 world champions.
“Because we really don’t know what this match can give, we meet here at 3:45 p.m.