The semi-finalists for this year's Challenge Cup have been announced and the big news is that the Sharks are set to travel to London to take on Clermont Auvergne in the play-offs.
Meanwhile, Gloucester will be the home team to face Italy's Benetton in the semi-finals. Both semi-finals are scheduled to be held on the weekend of May 3rd, 4th and 5th.
Sharks to play at neutral venue
European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) announced earlier this season that South African clubs would only have home ground advantage until the quarter-finals, with semi-finals having to be played at neutral venues.
Sharks head coach John Plumtree has confirmed that his Durban-based side will travel to London for their final four Challenge Cup match against Clermont, although the venue for that match has yet to be revealed. It has not been.
“It's a big stage against a quality French team, so we have to work towards that,” he said. “A lot can happen – there are still two games left. [in the United Rugby Championship] Before that.
“The team is happy. It's always going to be a tough challenge to play in Edinburgh again and I'm really proud of the coaches.
“They practiced hard and put in a lot of time. I was happy with the leaders and the way they adjusted in the second half.”
The Sharks advanced to the semi-finals with a 36-30 win over Edinburgh on Saturday, while Clermont beat Ulster 53-14 in the quarter-finals.
Gloucester became the first team to reach the semi-finals with a 23-13 win over the Ospreys on Friday, while Benetton clinched the final play-off spot with a 39-24 win over Connacht on Sunday.
Sharks beat Edinburgh to schedule match against Clermont in Challenge Cup semi-final
EPCR has released a statement confirming the four semi-finalists for the Challenge Cup.
“The EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final matches were set up after a series of thrilling quarter-final matches,” the statement read.
“Benetton Rugby advanced to their second successive semi-final with victory over Connacht Rugby, while ASM Clermont Auvergne continued their quest for a fourth title in EPCR Challenge Cup history with victory over Ulster Rugby .
“Meanwhile, Gloucester Rugby easily defeated the Ospreys, but Hollywoodbets Sharks needed to upset Edinburgh Rugby as they aim to become the first South African club to win the EPCR competition.”
Challenge Cup Cup Semi-Final Draw
Gloucester v Benetton (TBD)
Sharks v Clermont Auvergne (Kingsholm)
Matches will be played on May 3rd, 4th, or 5th.
read more: Benetton beat Connacht, Six Nations star scores, advances to Challenge Cup semi-final
