In a mirror image of the table, capital city rivals Saracens are bottom of the pile, with just one win to their name in 2016/17.
However, that is not an accurate reflection of their campaign. Five of their defeats have come by seven points or less and they have the second-best defensive record in the league – their 129 points conceded is bettered only by Bahrain.
They nearly caused an upset against vastly improving Doha last week, beaten 17-15 at Al Ghazal in yet more heartbreaking circumstances.
Head coach Winston Cowie, however, believes that their luck will eventually change. And why not at the home of their fiercest rivals.
“We are looking forward to a cracking local derby tonight,” said Cowie.
“Our boys played very well against Doha and we will look to take that same physical mindset to Zayed Sports City. If you keep hammering away at the door, as we have been all season, we will eventually knock it down. Let’s hope it’s tonight.
“Respect to Quins – there are a lot of good guys and players there. It will be mate against mate and rest assured we will be doing our best to come out on top.”
Quins coach Mike McFarlane and his side are on cloud nine right now, fresh from dishing out a 53-17 beating to reigning West Asia and UAE Premiership champions Dubai Exiles last week.
However, McFarlane’s players don’t have their heads in the clouds and insists they will not be taking their neighbours lightly.
“It promises to be a lively affair as always as it’s a local derby,” said the Englishman.
“Their league position doesn’t really reflect how they’ve been playing. I think they’ve lost (a lot of) games by less than seven points, as well as picking up bonus points. They have a strong pack with a much improved backline and offer threats from all over the pitch.
“However our boys are flying at the moment. The pack has really clicked and their work rate is phenomenal. The backs have been potent and clinical so they are looking forward to putting the different strategies we have worked on this week into the game.”
