Champions Cup Showdown: Ben Curry Leads Sale Sharks Against Toulouse in Thrilling Last 16 Clash

Key Matchup: Sale Sharks vs Toulouse

Sale Sharks have made five strategic changes ahead of their Investec Champions Cup last-16 clash against defending champions Toulouse. Prop Bevan Rodd is sidelined with injury, paving the way for Si McIntyre to join the front row. Co-captain Ben Curry returns to partner his twin brother Tom Curry in the back row, adding firepower to Sale's defensive structure. Meanwhile, Luke James replaces injured full-back Joe Carpenter, and Arron Reed starts on the wing.

Toulouse’s Strengthened Lineup

Toulouse, fresh from a dominant Top 14 victory over Pau, have also made five changes. Star fly-half Romain Ntamack returns alongside scrum-half Paul Graou, who replaces the injured Antoine Dupont. The back row sees the return of Jack Willis (England) and Francois Cros (France), while Emmanuel Meafou resumes his role at lock. These adjustments signal Toulouse’s intent to dominate at home.

Tactical Insights

• Ford’s Leadership: England’s George Ford remains pivotal at fly-half for Sale, orchestrating their attacking plays.
• French Form: Toulouse have been ruthless at home, but Sale earned a statement win over Toulon earlier this season.
• Twins’ Synergy: The Curry brothers’ reunion in the back row could disrupt Toulouse’s breakdown efficiency.

Road to the Quarter-Finals

The winner will advance to face Toulon or Saracens, setting up another blockbuster encounter. With both teams fielding reinforced lineups, expect a fiercely contested battle at Stade Toulousain.

Line-ups
Toulouse: Ramos; Capuozzo, Barassi, Ahki, Kinghorn; Ntamack, Graou; Ainu'u, Marchand (capt), Aldegheri, Flament, Meafou, Cros, Willis, Roumat.
Replacements: Cramont, Neti, Merkler, Verge, Jelonch, Castro-Ferreira, Mallia, Costes.

Sale Sharks: James; Roebuck, R du Preez (co-capt), Ma'asi-White, Reed; Ford, Warr; McIntyre, Cowan-Dickie, Opoku-Fordjour, Van Rhyn, Hill, T Curry, B Curry (co-capt), JL du Preez.
Replacements: McElroy, Harrison, John, Andrews, Bamber, Dugdale, Thomas, O'Flaherty.

Referee: Sam Grove-White (Scotland)