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Sharks' Heineken Cup hangover kicks in

Jenny Dixon
15/10/2008

FOUR days after a heady 32-15 victory in France, Sharks’ Heineken Cup hangover has begun to kick in.

Yesterday [Tuesday] it was revealed that centre Lee Thomas needs an operation to repair a complex dislocation of his shoulder, sustained against Clermont Auvergne on Saturday. He is likely to be out for three months.

Five hours later followed the news that two Sharks, Rudi Keil and Kristian Ormsby, had been cited. Lock Ormsby for an alleged punch or dangerous charge and centre Keil for an alleged dangerous tackle, during Sharks’ game against Clermont.

Both players are expected to face a disciplinary panel tomorrow [Thursday].

It is sobering news for director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre, whose team pulled off an astonishing bonus point win against his former club on French soil.

But even before the bad news broke, Saint-Andre had switched his focus from his team’s dream start in Europe to this Sunday’s game against current Heineken Cup champions Munster at Edgeley Park.

"To come back with Sale Sharks and to beat them and score four tries made me very proud of my team," explained Saint-Andre, who used to captain Clermont Auvergne [previously known as Montferrand].

"But we need to stay focused, this is professional sport, you can’t just be happy with what you did, you have to move on.

"That was just our first game, now we must play the Heineken Cup champions. It is a big challenge to play two games of this quality in a row."

Munster lost 27-13 on their last visit to Edgeley Park in the 2006 Heineken Cup, before winning their home fixture 31-9.

Last season Munster lost on the road twice in the Cup’s pool stages, before going on to claim the crown.

Saint-Andre said: "We are playing the European Champions in one of the toughest groups in the pool stages.

"It’s a big game for both teams, a game with a lot of intensity. But, when you are in the Heineken Cup you want to play these games. We will prepare well and perform at our best."

LUKE McAlister is nursing a sore elbow but the centre is expected to be fit for Sunday’s match.