Nick Hatton calls for squad effort as Sharks chase Challenge Cup victory in Connacht

The Sharks face a daunting challenge as they head into their knockout clash against Connacht, with hopes of another Challenge Cup run hanging in the balance.

While the Durban-based side have shown flashes of quality this season, recent results and the squad at their disposal raise questions about whether they have what it takes to progress to the quarter-finals.

Their record against Connacht at the Dexcom Stadium in Galway (9pm kick-off) is far from convincing, with just one win at home in their last five meetings against the Irish side, and it does little to inspire confidence ahead of the clash. On top of that, the group that travelled to Ireland appears to lack some of the depth and experience for a tough away fixture.

Playing in Galway is widely regarded as one of the toughest assignments in European rugby, adding another layer of difficulty to an already demanding task.

Despite these concerns, Sharks No 8 Nick Hatton remains optimistic about their chances in Ireland. One of the Sharks’ standout performers this season, Hatton emphasised the importance of a collective effort as the side juggle commitments across multiple competitions.

“Playing in two tournaments demands a squad effort on both fronts,” Hatton said.

“It becomes about the entire squad stepping up and what we put out on Friday evening. We’ve had a good few days of preparation in Durban, and the boys are ready to go. Now it’s about trusting the work we’ve done and delivering on the day.”

The Sharks are still balancing their United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign alongside their European ambitions, and squad rotation has become a necessity rather than a choice. That could prove decisive against a Connacht side that are both settled and difficult to beat at home.

Nevertheless, belief within the Sharks camp remains strong. Hatton highlighted their mindset heading into the must-win encounter, stressing both the excitement and urgency that come with knockout rugby.

“We are really excited for this challenge. it is knockout rugby, and we need to win to progress. This is not an easy place to go play in and it is always tough against Connacht. However, we are up for it. We feel we can do something special and will give everything to get the result in our favour.”