Sale Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond is expecting his side to “express themselves” when they travel to face La Rochelle in their Challenge Cup semi-final on Saturday. The two-time winners reached the last four after a battling 20-10 victory over pool stage rivals Connacht Rugby last month and the reward for that is a trip to 2018 Champions Cup quarter-finalists La Rochelle. But despite describing the French side as “a real handful”, Diamond felt that his team can reach a first Challenge Cup final since 2005. “They are a very good side and they are a massive team, playing in front of full house crowds every week and they are going to be a real handful,” said Diamond, speaking to Sharks TV. “We’ve got to go and express ourselves and play rugby. We’ve got to get out the blocks and be aggressive off the line. “The club hasn’t been to a final for many years so it would be a boost for us. [jwplayer gKLJy4fy] “If we can get it right – and that’s what we will need to do on Saturday in a one-off game – who knows where we can go with it.” Diamond also had some positive team news ahead of Saturday’s match, with wing Chris Ashton – who has scored seven tries in the Challenge Cup this season – expected to feature for the English side. “There’s a good chance that him [Chris Ashton] and James O’Connor will be fit,” Diamond added. “Tom Curry is available and hopefully Ash [Ashton] is available so we are looking forward to going down there with a strong team.”