Sale Sharks winger Mark Cueto has no doubts about his team’s European Cup-winning credentials.
The 26-year-old British & Irish Lion, who has established himself as one of the most feared finishers in Europe, believes this is the year Philippe Saint-Andre’s team will finally deliver on the biggest stage in club rugby.
Sale take on Newport-Gwent Dragons at Edgeley Park on Sunday knowing a bonus-point win would make them virtual certainties for the quarter-final stages.
Cueto is confident they can not only qualify, but go on to win the whole competition for the first time in the club’s history.
"I definitely think we can win in Europe," the England wingman said. "We’ve been there or there abouts for two or three years now without winning anything. This year we’re sure it can be different.
"We’ve signed some great players and the competition for places in the starting XV is quite unbelievable. I’ve never known it so competitive.
"The backbone of our success has been the quality of players that Philippe has brought in. So many players are capable of playing in the starting XV – it makes for a great atmosphere in the squad."
The last meeting between the two sides saw Sale run out 38-11 winners at Rodney Parade, and a repeat performance would go a long way to them securing home advantage in the quarter-finals.
Lock Luke Charteris is still ruled out with a shoulder injury for the Dragons, while Jamie Ringer returns to the back row following an ankle injury.
Sale will look to their back row of Magnus Lund, Jason White and Sebastien Chabal to take the game to the Dragons.
