Sharks big hitters return for ‘make or break’ Champions Cup clash

STEVE Diamond has declared tomorrow’s Heineken Champions Cup clash with La Rochelle as ‘make or break’ for Sale Sharks.

Defeat to Glasgow Warriors last weekend made it a disappointing start to the European campaign, with the pressure already on if they wish to reach the knockout stages.

A December double-header with fellow Gallagher Premiership rivals Exeter Chiefs means the future challenges don’t get any easier.

But Diamond knows Sharks cannot afford to let their focus shift beyond the here and now.

“I think this week is a make or break result for us because if we lose it, we’re probably out of the group,” admitted the director of rugby.

“We’ll be as full strength as we can be and if we get it right, we’ll win, definitely.

“We’re still inconsistent this year, it’s win one lose one, but at least but at least we’re getting bonus points. We are highly competitive, that’s one thing. We’ve got good goalkickers in the team and they can keep us in range.”

Sale have not lost at the AJ Bell Stadium since March 2, while French side La Rochelle lost out to Exeter in their opening game of this Champions Cup campaign.

The two are no strangers to each other, with La Rochelle overcoming Diamond’s side 24-22 in last season’s Challenge Cup semi-finals. The home side are boosted by the return of World Cup winner Faf de Klerk. Tom

Curry (pictured) returns in the back-row, joining his brother Ben, while European Rugby’s all-time top try scorer Chris Ashton and returning England international Denny Solomona are on the wings.