Match Preview: Sharks look to continue impressive start

The South African side have already treated their home support to a win in Round 1, edging a thriller with Harlequins 39-31 in their maiden game in the competition.

They then clinched a first victory on French soil as they held on for an impressive 19-16 success at Bordeaux in Round 2, leaving them fourth in Pool A.

Bordeaux, meanwhile, are ninth, having endured a difficult campaign so far – a 22-17 loss at Gloucester Rugby being followed by that home defeat to Cell C Sharks.

Since Round 2, Cell C Sharks have won twice in three United Rugby Championship three games, while Bordeaux have recorded three straight victories in the TOP 14.

The game gets underway at 15:15 (UK & Irish time) and is available on SuperSport, beIN SPORTS, France TV, BT Sport and FloRugby.

GAME WEEK 🤩

Here’s a reminder of how it stands heading into #HeinekenChampionsCup Round 3️⃣ 👇 https://t.co/twnfpdfzlr

— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) January 9, 2023

Cell C Sharks

• Vincent Tshituka has the most turnovers in the tournament this season (5), with three coming from jackals which resulted in turnovers.
• Jaden Hendrikse has had more kicks retained than any other player (6) and forced the most pressure errors with his kicks (4).
• Cell C Sharks have the lowest rate of tackle completion in the competition (82%) and have been awarded the most maul penalties (6).

Union Bordeaux-Bègles

• Union Bordeaux-Bègles are one of just two sides who have yet to score a first-phase try in this season’s competition.
• All of UBB’s try-scorers so far have been forwards – Renato Giammarioli, Sipili Falatea and Tom Willis.