Montpellier next (From Messenger Newspapers)

Montpellier next

2:16pm Tuesday 16th October 2012 in Sport

SALE Sharks travel to Southern France for their second game in the Heineken Cup against Montpellier. The host club, currently fourth in their domestic league, lost 37-16 at Toulon last Sunday evening in heavy rain next to the Mediterranean Sea.

French clubs traditionally raise their game before their own supporters, and the Sharks can expect a tough time at le Stade Yves du Manoir on Sunday. There’ll be a major battle among the forwards, and the question will be: “Can the Sharks’ half backs provide quick ball to their backs?”

Tom Brady is available after his two-match ban, but the Sharks’ injury list includes Tom Holmes, Marc Jones, Andrei Ostrikov, Dwayne Peel and Henry Thomas.

A feature of European competition is the ability to utilise all the players in a nominated squad, and Sharks will be mindful that they have crucial Aviva Premiership matches against Worcester Warriors (away) and London Irish (home) upon their return next Monday.

Kick off in Montpellier is 4pm local time, 3pm British Summer Time.