Toulouse v Sharks: Tale of the tape

SPOTLIGHT: Stade Toulousain and the Sharks will go head-to-head in a European Cup quarterfinal at Stade Ernest-Wallon in the Sept Deniers district of Toulouse, in southwestern France.

The 'temple to the oval ball' will see these two star-studded teams face off for the first time.

However, a look at the pre-match tale of the tape makes for some intriguing and enlightening reading.

(Continue below ...)

The shoulder injury that has ruled Springbok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse out of action for approximately 10 weeks will be more costly than most can imagine.

Hendrikse picked up a shoulder injury when he scored the Sharks’ first try in their 50-35 win over Munster in a Champions Cup Round of 16 clash this past weekend.

The scrumhalf has since undergone surgery, which is a big blow for the Sharks as he is their first-choice scrumhalf.

Hendrikse has produced the most retained kicks in the European Cup this season, 14 - five more than any other player.

He has also made the most metres as a support carrier - 60.

In stark contrast, Toulouse can bank on the skill of Antoine Dupont, who made a Round of 16 high three try assists - two passes and a kick. That is a tournament-high six try assists.

See below for the pre-match Tale of the Tape at Stade Ernest-Wallon!

Source: @ChampionsCup