UAE players keen to impress coach Perelini against Barbarians

Matt Jones - Editor 08:26 27/04/2016
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  • Up for grabs: Apollo Perelini.

    The game is the UAE’s only friendly before flying out to Uzbekistan for the Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) next month.

    UAE rugby’s performance manager Perelini has been putting a selection of players through their paces over the course of the last few weeks, but will pick his 25-man Test squad following the game.

    The clash will be played at Dubai Sports City against opponents coached by Dubai Exiles director of rugby, Jacques Benade.

    Perelini admitted he has a firm idea about the majority of his starting XV but claims the game is an opportunity for players to stake a claim for a tour spot.

    “A lot of players have been putting their hands up at training, definitely,” said Perelini.

    “Training is very, very different to a game though, so we’ll see how they fare on Wednesday.

    “The majority I have already watched and I have a fair idea of what they can do. Those players I’ve seen enough over the season. There are still some players I’m not sure of, and have trained well.

    “I’ve pretty much got my 15. It’s now about choosing the back-ups.”

    The former dual-code Samoa international is likely to finalise his squad over the weekend for a trip from which the UAE will aim to go one step further than 12 months ago and gain promotion from ARC Division II. Standing in their way are three new opponents in Singapore, Guam and hosts Uzbekistan.

    Despite his confidence about his starting team, Perelini insists there is a still lot to play for Wednesday.

    “It’s a big opportunity to make a statement,” said the 46-year-old.

    “Everyone has an opportunity and I want to give everybody ample opportunity.

    “Those guys probably on the fringes will probably get more game time than guys I’ve already penciled in as certainties, so that I’m able to see how they respond to a game situation.”

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