Canes have been off the boil with three defeats so far this season and 109 points conceded, but coach James Ham hopes going into a game against the reigning UAE Premiership and West Asia champions will take the pressure off them and focus it on Jacques Benade’s Exiles.
“Unfortunately our performance levels and results haven’t shown what we are capable of yet this season, which is beating anyone in this league on our day,” said a fired-up Ham.
“Hopefully we can relax going into this Exiles game as the pressure is on their individual players, particularly those who we know well and we have our chance to prove some points that we need to make.”
Captain Dave Knight hopes the fierce competitive nature of Exiles v Canes games hits home with his team-mates.
“We know it will be a tough game as they are defending champions,” said the Canes’ flanker.
“Obviously they’re one of our biggest rivals and there is no love lost. Things haven’t gone well for us so far this season but we’re slowly starting to get players back. We’ve got a new 12 who we’re looking forward to seeing. It will be a tough ask but we’ve got nothing to lose.”
Will Crossley is available for Canes after relocating to Dubai while UAE international winger Ian Overton strengthens their backline having joined from Jebel Ali Dragons.
Despite sitting third with two wins from three, Exiles have been far from their best so far even though Benade can see improvements each week.
“There are no easy games and it’ll be even tougher this weekend playing our neighbours,” said the South African.
“Hurricanes need a result to get their season going and I am sure this is one of the games they will target.
“We are getting better every week and hopefully we can make another step up in the right direction. We just need to go out there and play our brand of rugby.”
Despite the differing fortunes of both sides, Exiles prop Kristian Stinson knows he and his team-mates will write Canes off at their peril.
“Canes is always a really tough game and the league table and form go out the window for a big local derby,” said the Northern Irismhman.
“We know they’re going to come at us really hard so it should be a great game.
“The big thing this year is that the seconds are playing some great rugby, they inflicted a first defeat in over a year on Sharjah last week.
“It means a lot of those boys are hammering on the door for first team selection so anyone who plays against Canes has to put in a performance in order to keep their place.
“Jacques has made it clear he won’t accept any more sub par performances now we’re into the heart of the season.”
Centre Michael Sole could return for Exiles after being concussed against Abu Dhabi Harlequins, as could Nathan Watts, with Tom Gregory also pushing for a recall.
