Stade must be favourites - Chabal

"I am not sure if playing at Parc des Princes is an advantage for either Stade or ourselves," said Chabal, "but what I do know is that the atmosphere at the stadium will be fantastic.

"It looks as if it will be played in front of a full house of around 45,000 people and Stade are a truly great team. They have so many internationals in their squad and it should be a really good game. If we want to keep our chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals we have to win in Paris, it is vital we come out on top against Stade.

"The huge number of injuries we have are the result of a hard season and, while it has made things difficult for us, we simply have to accept the situation, make use of our full squad and get on with the job.

"Stade will certainly be favourites. If you watch their games in the Top 14 - as I do - you will see that they are better than the other French sides. They are a big, big team and they win with style.

"However, we are confident in our own ability and there is no point in turning up if you think you are going to lose so I am sure Philippe will make sure we go to Parc des Princes with a strongly positive attitude.

"We know we will have to play at our very best to do it but, if that still isn't enough, then at least we wont have any regrets. At this stage of the Heineken Cup there is still everything to play for and we must come away with something, even a bonus point could prove vital.

"I know a lot of the Stade players and they are a strong team in all positions but I see their greatest strengths as having an outstanding defence, being very aggressive at the breakdown areas and great at winning turnovers while very seldom conceding penalties in their own half.

"As for myself, I still have hopes of playing for France again but if I am not selected in the 40-player squad that Bernard Laporte is going to select for the 2007 Six Nations, then it will be very difficult for me to make the World Cup squad.

"Playing against the best French team at a great stadium is an opportunity for me to try and impress the selectors but Sunday is all about Sale playing in a huge Heineken Cup match."

Meanwhile Sharks Director of Rugby Saint Andre was just pleased to come through last weekend's EDF Energy Cup 21-5 win over Llanelli Scarlets with no new injury concerns.

"It is good to be in the semi-finals - and I thought Lee Thomas was fantastic - but now we must concentrate on going to Paris to play Stade in a great stadium that will be like playing an international.

"Playing at Parc des Princes will make all the players feel stronger and quicker, I played all my international rugby for France at Parc des Princes and so going back as coach of Sale will be a special occasion for me.

"Stade are a fantastic team and, in a 'Pool of Death' which this is, generally only one team qualifies for the quarter-finals. They are the best team in France at the moment but our players have great pride in the Sale jersey and despite all our injuries, we will give it our best shot."