Abu Dhabi Saracens brought Dubai Hurricanes back down to earth with a bump and got their Premiership campaign up and running in the process.
Sarries’ scrum and forwards were dominant and, aided by a flawless kicking display from Dougie Steele and a sterling defensive effort in the closing minutes, Ali Thompson’s troops marched to victory. In a mirror image of the opening day, Canes trailed 13-5 at the break, with Sarries’ winger Barney Goatley crossing for their only try.
Steele showed his mettle to convert the try and add two penalties before the interval, with Canes’ solitary effort coming from a try for No8 Greg Thomas.
Canes were far better after the break but failed to take their chances and even though they scored another try through Powell, who converted and potted a penalty, Steele stepped up to slot two more of his own as the men from the capital held on for a vital win.
Sarries head coach Thompson said: “I heard someone say after the game ‘well that was an upset’, but it wasn’t, we fully deserved our win.
He added: “It was a forward battle, our scrum dominated and all the players were absolutely exhausted coming off the pitch.”
Thompson admitted Sarries’ backs were against the wall for the last few minutes as Canes, for the second week running, fought back in the second 40 minutes.
Dejected Canes’ coach Ross Mills said: “They were very good and we were very poor. They came with a game plan and executed it well and totally deserved the win.”
Mills believes the standard of the league has definitely improved on last season, and said: “The standard this year has gone up a lot.
“The Dragons had a close win and the Exiles didn’t have it all their own way on Thursday either.”
He concluded: “We’re just disappointed we didn’t play well and the players are frustrated they haven’t performed.”
