Off-colour champions usually raise their game for Quins

Matt Jones - Editor 22:32 18/01/2017
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  • Quins scrum-half Sam Bolger (c) and his team-mates celebrate.

    It is “make or break” for beleaguered West Asia and UAE champions Dubai Exiles this weekend, according to head coach Jacques Benade.

    And with their season on the line, the South African is hoping his side can finally rediscover their hunger in a clash with unbeaten Abu Dhabi Harlequins at The Sevens.

    Exiles have simply failed to get going at all this season, their 42-16 thrashing at the hands of Doha last week sending them crashing to a fourth defeat from seven games.

    Exiles can rely on the fact that with the new playoff system introduced for 2016/17 they do not have to finish first to win any silverware this season, but even hopes of a top four finish are starting to slip away after last week’s defeat in Doha.

    It left them four points adrift of Jebel Ali Dragons in fourth but Benade is counting on the fact that Quins usually bring out the best in his side.

    “We know what to expect from Quins and we will need to step up our work rate and stop them from getting front foot ball,” said Benade.

    “I still believe they are the best team in the league and will be a massive test for us. We always play good rugby against Quins and let’s hope this is again a great advert for UAE rugby.”

    Benade is at a loss to explain the champions’ poor form this season, but insists his side are better than what they have produced on the field so far.

    “I think it is make or break for us this weekend,” he added.

    “We need to step up as a team and improve our performance. We have been training really well the last two or three weeks but we can just not take that onto the pitch.

    “Doha were just better in every aspect of the game and if we are going to let Quins dominate set piece, contact area, defense and that hunger that we miss so far this season, we are going to be in trouble.

    “I know we are better than that and all I want from the players this weekend is for them to just go out and prove to themselves what they are capable of.”

    Exiles’ plight isn’t helped by the fact that star centre Michael Sole has been ruled out for the season after suffering his third concussion of the term, while prop Lukas Waddington is also done as he needs a knee operation.

    Fly-half Durandt Gerber will be back at 10 after returning last week and he is someone Quins coach Mike McFarlane will be wary of.

    “The rivalry from last season continues between two high calibre clubs,” he said.

    “With Gerber back at 10 I’d imagine they’ll have an improved distributor who will no doubt make a difference. That right there is a challenge for our back row.

    “We weren’t completely happy with our performance last week and the players are looking for improved performances all round.

    “The players set such high standards that sometimes they put themselves under unnecessary stress which we’ve discussed this week so we are looking to get back to enjoying our running rugby with a freedom to express ourselves in their own personal way.”

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