The UAE have learnt some harsh lessons from their 2017 Asia Rugby Championship and head coach Apollo Perelini insists the bitter disappointment will bode well for their future and that of the national team.
Perelini and his players had gone into the tournament dreaming of a second successive promotion into the ARC’s top three alongside South Korea and Hong Kong – there was even a sliver of a chance they could make the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
The hue of that dream was muddied from an opening 36-22 loss to hosts Malaysia and two subsequent defeats to Sri Lanka and the Philippines left the squad absolutely distraught.
Injuries and suspensions certainly did not aide their cause and they battled valiantly in every game and made every opponent work for their win.
But, ultimately, they fell short. And it is an experience Perelini hopes they learn from.
“It’s not a great feeling, it’s a horrible feeling and I’m not quite accustomed to losing. That’s rugby unfortunately,” the former dual code Samoa star said.
“We’ll have to get our heads up and look to what happens over the next year or so. Some of the best teams in the world go through these disappointments.
“I’ve been in this situation as a player and it always makes you a better player. And I hope these players will learn from this experience. I think these players will respect the game of rugby being played outside the UAE.”
A killer score in all three games proved body blows for the UAE in Ipoh. In their opener against the hosts they were camped on the Malaysia line inside the final 10 minutes before being penalised for early engagement at a scrum, a Sakiusa Gavidi try minutes later sealing their fate.
Against Sri Lanka they fought tooth and nail in a second half in which 30 minutes were spent playing with 14 men following hooker Josh Ives’ harsh sending off, with Jesan Dissanayake’s try 12 minutes from time again proving decisive.
And, against the Philippines, they clawed their back from 23-13 down to lead 26-23 with 11 minutes to go, only to fall foul of Patrice Olivier’s late score.
Every defeat had more to do with the UAE’s own shortcomings as they did the talent of their opponents. And Perelini again feels the tournament provides an eye-opener for the level they must get to in 2018.
“I’m extremely disappointed with the result (against the Philippines),” said Perelini, who can at least look forward to leading the UAE once again in Division I next year after they were spared relegation – due to Japan’s hosting of the World Cup.
“The frustrating thing was we always planned for a good start, but we haven’t started well the whole tournament and to be behind again from the start became a mental battle.
“I’m afraid the team didn’t quite stick to the game plan and the skill level let us down at times in crucial positions, as well as missed tackles. We didn’t handle the game plan. When we do we can score tries. We haven’t failed to score tries or put phases together.
“It’s just the lapses in concentration, the odd dropped ball. The adjustment to the paces was also another big factor.
“Talking to the boys, they realise now the level they have to be up to in fitness, skills, strength, it has to be higher than what they’re comfortable with at club level.
“When you’re stepping out against these teams, these players are big and powerful and skillful as well. It cost us today and cost us all week. It’s a learning curve.”
