Abu Dhabi Harlequins and Dubai Exiles looking for wins to boost West Asia Premiership title charge

Matt Jones - Editor 11:01 11/01/2018
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  • Abu Dhabi Harlequins coach Mike McFarlane.

    It might be difficult to shake off the rust of what’s been a stop-start West Asia Premiership campaign in the early weeks of 2018, but Abu Dhabi Harlequins coach Mike McFarlane has been thoroughly impressed with his side since returning to training following the festive break.

    Quins get back into the swing of things with what might look an inviting fixture against second bottom Dubai Eagles at their Zayed Sports City home on Friday, but McFarlane has been impressed with the “excellent intensity” shown as a crucial period of games gets underway at the top of the table.

    “We can’t wait to get back amongst it,” said McFarlane.

    “I’ve been really impressed with the players’ dedication over the break and they’ve come back raring to go, training with excellent intensity to kick Christmas into touch. They are a close knit bunch so they were happy to be back together and catching up.”

    An upbeat Eagles captain, Conor Coakley, meanwhile, feels his side are capable of an upset, so long as the players have not been indulging their sweet tooths too much over the festive period back home with friends and family.

    “It’s good to be back after the Christmas break. Our lads are looking fresh and sharp although a few look like they’ve had a few too many Quality Streets and enjoyed a good Christmas,” joked the Irishman.

    “We’ve got a full strength squad and selection has been tough. We’ve had a few new arrivals come in this month which has given us a boost and provides completion for places, which is great.

    “We’re very much underdogs but don’t be surprised if you see an upset in Abu Dhabi.”

    Elsewhere, Dubai Exiles return to 15s action following a glittering triumph at the Dubai Sevens in December – a first victory in the shortened format of the game at a tournament they started since 2006.

    But in 15s they haven’t played in over two months and are looking to end a run of three straight defeats to leading lights Jebel Ali Dragons, Bahrain and Quins.

    Jacques Benade’s side are seven points behind Quins in third place, but the South African feels Exiles can still gatecrash the title party.

    “The next three weeks will be very import for us if we want to be involved in the play-offs or challenging for a cup,” he said.

    “I still think anyone in the top four or five can win the league so there is a lot to play for.”

    Benade admitted there are some niggling injury concerns, with star fly-half Durandt Gerber likely to face a late fitness test, but he added that training has reconvened with a buzz about The Sevens.

    “We are still missing two or three boys due to injuries but everyone is keen to go out there and play some good rugby,” added Benade, who believes both this weekend’s opponents Abu Dhabi Saracens and Eagles will cause problems for team s in the second half of the season.

    “I’m not sure what to expect from Saracens after the Canes and Quins games but I am sure it will be very physical and they will be want to go out there and see this game as the start of a new year.

    “There are always new players coming in after the Christmas break so I will not be surprised if Saracens or Eagles have some great results before the end of the season.”

    Saracens were rocked before Christmas when chairman Jay Danielson left to return home to Australia, but they are back at their spiritual home of Al Ghazal, and captain Jonny Taylor is confident looking ahead.

    “We still have a lot to do, but we looking in much better shape than when we started the season,” said the South African flanker.

    “The club now has a home and there are many more improvements to come.”

    Jacob Basson has replaced Danielson as chairman, while Peter Henderson has taken on the head coach role.

    Taylor added: “Jakes, Hendo and others from the committee have really done a lot of hard work for us. Jakes, the new chairman, has led from the front. He is changing a lot for the better of the club.”

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