Hooker is not always a position that stands out on a rugby field, but the player who wins that particular front row duel at Zayed Sports City on Friday might just tip the balance in favour of their side.
Jebel Ali Dragons hooker Sean Crombie has earned a reputation as one of the best players in the region over the last 18 months with his bustling workrate and ability to snaffle tries.
But the former Scotland sevens international will face arguably his biggest challenge this weekend as he locks horns with Phil Abraham, Abu Dhabi Harlequins’ Philippines international.
Abraham took the plaudits when the two sides met at the Jebel Ali Centre of Excellence at the end of February, scoring a late try as his side ran out 40-27 winners.
“He’s actually been one of my favourite guys to play against this year,” Crombie said of his opposite number. “He’s just an athletic, physical guy and I always enjoy playing against the guys who are confrontational. It’s always a nice battle up front and then have a laugh afterwards.”
And it appears the feeling is very much mutual. Abraham added: “He’s definitely a good player and I think everyone on our team is aware of that.
“They have a lot of dangerous players on their team that are really useful. I think we’re definitely aware ofhim as a weapon and I think going up against him in the scrums, trying to front up and match him is definitely a goal I have in mind.
“I definitely respect him as a player. “Even though we won the last two games against them we know they’re a dangerous team with a lot of talent. No-one is taking them lightly.”
Indeed, Crombie could be in for an energy sapping afternoon. Abraham, who has been given time off work to play in his country’s final two Asian 5 Nations (A5N) Top 5 games at the end of May, has interests away from the rugby field.
The American-born Filipino is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu enthusiast and is currently undergoing training for the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship later this month.
However, before he takes to the mat, Abraham is determined to help Quins cap a remarkable 2014.
He added: “I think a lot of the guys are pretty proud of the record we had in the season, and it’s definitely been said numerous times that it won’t go over well if we win the regular season but miss out on the championship.”
