'It's not going to be easy, but it's possible': Powell says Sharks can beat Leinster

Facing one of the toughest games in franchise rugby, the Sharks know that, while the odds are stacked against them, they can beat Leinster in their United Rugby Championship quarter-final clash next weekend.

With a side that reads like a who's-who of Irish rugby, Leinster are always a tough nut to crack, particularly when they play at home at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Sharks director of rugby Neil Powell, however, hasn't given up hope that his side could spring an upset, just like the Bulls did against the same team in the semi-final of the URC in 2022.

Powell acknowledged that it would be a "massive challenge" to pull off what would be considered a huge upset.

“Leinster are a quality side who play a good brand of rugby, and to beat them at their home is going to be a massive challenge,” Powell said.

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While the Sharks' draw with Munster last weekend set up the clash with the Irish juggernauts next Saturday, Powell said that if they could bring their A-game, the opportunity would present itself to secure a famous away win.

"In the first 40 minutes of the game [against Munster], we showed glimpses of what this team is capable of. 

"They [the Sharks] were really good, really clinical, and if we put an 80-minute performance like that together, then we give ourselves an opportunity to go away and beat a quality side like Leinster.

“The Bulls showed that when they beat them last year in the semi-final. It’s not going to be easy, but it is possible," Powell concluded.

If the Sharks can prevail in Dublin, they will keep their slim hopes alive of staying in next year's Champions Cup, as winning the URC title remains the only way of doing so.