The big games keep on coming in the West Asia Championship as Dubai Exiles host Abu Dhabi Saracens at The Sevens tomorrow.
There was little to choose between the sides in their UAE Premiership clash at Al Ghazal in October, where Exiles’ slender 6-5 victory saw Sarries lose at home for the first time in more than a year, and both teams are expecting another tense encounter.
Exiles inflicted a rare defeat on Doha last time out to curb the Qatari club’s rampant start but prop Kristian Stinson has stressed the need to move on. “We need to push on from the Doha result and not let this slip,” said the Northern Irishman.
“We’ve had a tough few sessions since the Doha game where Jacques (Benade, head coach) has beasted us, so the boys are just champing at the bit to get back on to the pitch and playing again.”
An intense, physical battle unfolded in the Premiership game, with Sarries going ahead through Jaen Botes’ early try, Exiles hitting back through two Durandt Gerber penalties and defences cancelling each other out in the second period.
Stinson is expecting more of the same, adding: “We’re buzzing for Friday, all the boys are really looking forward to it. It’s going to be a tough, physical game and I’m expecting it to be pretty brutal, especially given the result we had up there last time.”
Sarries’ joint-head coach Steve Hamilton says his team have been left frustrated following a two-week break from action after a morale-boosting, maiden win against Al Ain Amblers, and has labelled the Exiles clash their “most important” game of the season.
“We’re keen to get back to action after a few weeks off,” said Hamilton. “The Bahrain and Doha results were disappointing but we beat Al Ain and we’re looking to pick up some lost momentum from that win.”
With their chances of retaining the West Asia crown they won against Doha last March already teetering on the brink, Hamilton knows the Exiles result will make or break their campaign.
“It’s the most important game of the season,” he added.
“The big games come almost every week and we need to win this to have any hope of the title.
“Exiles are the team to beat after their win against Doha but we feel we’re more than capable of winning the game.”
Both sides should be close to full strength, with Sarries centre Garth van Niekerk back from a hamstring injury and second row Adam Nightingale from concussion. Lehan Koekemoer could also make his West Asia Championship bow following visa issues.
