Addison relishing Toulouse challenge

Editor

Will Addison says Sale Sharks are itching to summon up some more French resistance ahead of Saturday’s European Challenge Cup trip to Toulouse.

The exciting centre was part of a Sale side which produced a fine all-round display in overcoming a full-strength Lyon 15-13 in last weekend’s penultimate European pool clash at the AJ Bell Stadium.

The Sharks face an even tougher challenge this weekend when they jet out across the Channel to take on one of European rugby’s most prestigious clubs with Toulouse having won the European Champions Cup a record four times.

As with last Saturday’s Lyon fixture, Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond is again set to opt for a blend of youth and experience in his squad selection.

But Addison believes whoever get the starting nod at the Stade Ernest-Wallon will step out armed with the belief that the Sharks can stand toe-to-toe with their opposition – regardless of their reputation.

“We’ve got a different atmosphere around the club that we’ve had for a while…we’re a bunch of guys that wants to win rugby games,” he declared.

“We’re going away to Toulouse and I’ve got 12 family and friends coming over to watch and that’s just indicative of the whole club as we’ll have a lot of travelling support out there.

“We just want to go out and win every game we’ve involved in and that is probably a shift in what we’ve been used to.

“We want to go out to Toulouse and put in a good performance first of all and, hopefully, that stands us in good stead to try and get the win.

“Historically they are one of the greatest clubs in Europe. When I was growing up I used to go to virtually every Heineken Cup final and Toulouse were nearly always involved.

“I’ve never played against them so I’m really excited about gong over there and having a taste of the Toulouse atmosphere and seeing how we go.

“We’ll have a fair few young guys involved and these types of experiences will be invaluable for them.”

Having finally overcome the frustrating injury issues which hampered his first half of the season, Addison has been in explosive form since returning to the side at the turn of the year.

And the 25-year-old says he is determined to play his part in what promises to be an exciting final four months of the season.

“It has been good to be back and to be able to string some more games together. I was training with the lads for a few weeks before I played so I was pretty comfortable and I’m really happy to be back,” he added.

“I have been immensely frustrated as it was one of the most frustrating injuries I’ve ever had and because of how well we’ve been playing it’s been even tougher mentally.

“So it has been a real tough one to come back from and I’m really happy it has gone well. Fortunately, there is still tons of rugby to be played and it just feels like I’ve got to do my part for the rest of the season.

“Things have been going well but we now need to finish off and do even better and I want to play my part in helping achieve that.”

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