Saint-Andre gunning for European glory
We meet again: Sale and Bath prepare to go head-to-head for the fourth time this season
Sale boss Philippe Saint-Andre has set his side the target of winning a third European Challenge Cup crown - and with it Heineken Cup qualification next season.
The 2002 and 2005 tournament winners face 1998 Heineken Cup champions Bath at The Recreation Ground on Saturday with Sharks Director of Rugby Saint-Andre desperate to be playing against Europe's elite come October.
"Our target is to win the European Challenge Cup to secure our qualification for next season's Heineken Cup because to do that through our finishing position in the Premiership may prove difficult," said the Frenchman, speaking to ERC's official website.
"And winning the European Challenge Cup would be a great achievement in itself - though perhaps we would have preferred the semi-finals being played on a home and away basis.
"However, our fate will be decided in a one-off game, and, what's more, it will be on Bath's turf - which will be far from easy - so it is not ideal from our point of view and naturally we would have preferred to play this semi-final on a neutral ground.
"That said, there are four English teams in the semi-finals, so naturally we know each other well as we play regularly in the domestic competitions. We are all fighting for qualifying for the Heineken Cup so there is a lot at stake.
"I admit it would have been nicer to compete against a French team in the very final stages of the competition but we will give the semi-final against Bath Rugby 100 per cent.
"We know it will not be an easy task as they are a team in top form at the moment, but what we want is to get back into the Heineken Cup.
Bath have been in impressive form this year and are one of six teams still in contention to top the Guinness Premiership table.
And Saint-Andre is fully aware of their opponents' credentials ahead of what has been a regular fixture this term.
"We have played them three times already this season, twice in the championship and once in the EDF Energy Cup, so we know them well," he added.
"They have good and skilful players in their squad who like to play with the ball in hand, and are good at keeping possession while their pack is particularly heavy. What is more, they are very confident at present thanks to their second place in the Premiership.
"I believe all their players are dangerous, but particularly Olly Barkley, Butch James, Steve Borthwick, Danny Grewcock, Michael Lipman and Lee Mears. They are a well balanced and well trained team and deserve to be in the Heineken Cup."