Cohen goes Shark hunting

Sale Sharks will be wary of a former Saint turning sinner against them when they clash with Brive in the opening European Challenge Cup quarter-final under the Edgeley Park floodlights on Friday.

Sale Sharks will be wary of a former Saint turning sinner against them when they clash with Brive in the opening European Challenge Cup quarter-final under the Edgeley Park floodlights on Friday.

Winger Ben Cohen, who scored 31 tries in 57 Tests for England and was a British and Irish Lion tourist to Australia in 2001, is now playing for Brive after appearing in 276 matches for Northampton Saints – including their 9-8 Heineken Cup final triumph over Munster at Twickenham in 2000.

The Sharks will be well aware that Cohen knows a fair bit about their players – along with his new Brive team-mate and fellow former Saint, Steve Thompson.

“Sale are a fantastic side with some really good players,” said Cohen.

“They are also a side who win trophies and know how to get crucial results so we have a great deal of respect for them.

“Beating them is going to be a really tough ask. Having said that, it is still a cup game and anything can happen so we are going to focus on our own game plan.

“We have a strong team with some really skilled players – the only thing we lack sometimes is a bit of belief.

“It's always tough playing away and there does seem to be a French approach to away games which Steve (Thompson) and I, along with the other foreign players are trying to change.

“Having said that, they did really well in their away game at Newcastle, only losing by a couple of points which shows what they are capable of.

“Sale is a tough place to go and French teams seem to have a bit of a negative way of approaching these games. Although that hasn't changed much, we are getting everyone psyched up for this game – it's one we all want to win.”

While Sale will know what to expect from the two former Saints, Cohen is still coming to grips with his new club and country.

“I'm settling in pretty well at Brive and, while it's obviously a challenge with the language barrier, it's something I'm working hard on and the club have made me feel very welcome.

“They have a different way of doing things here which has taken a bit of getting used to but the guys are great and I'm enjoying the rugby.

“Of course it's great to be playing with Steve (Thompson) again. He's a great player and now that he's back fighting fit and had a good game at the weekend. He is able to bring a lot to the side in terms of leadership.

“The players here have a great respect for him. He has showed loyalty to the side and given 100 per cent in the time he's been here and I think that's massively valued.

“In terms of my contribution to the team, I obviously try and give any experience I've picked up over my years in European rugby, but I certainly don't think I know it all.

“It's important to tread carefully and take what the team has to offer you as well as giving what you can.

“These are some very talented guys but we have a lot of youth in the team which is why I think players like Steve and me have a lot to offer.”