Saracens finish Champions League campaign with win over Olymp

Matt Jones - Editor 09:42 19/09/2015
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  • G-Force: Sarries Gio Fourie (l) was among their try scorers.

    Abu Dhabi Saracens’ joint-head coach Stephen Hamilton has an ominous warning for UAE opponents ahead of the new domestic rugby season – Sarries are even stronger.

    That was the message after the West Asia champions beat Kazakhstan’s Olymp 38-12 to put some gloss on a disappointing Western Clubs Champions League campaign Friday night.

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    The win saw Sarries finish third in Asia Rugby’s inaugural tournament following a 19-14 away loss to Doha in their opening game last Friday, while their hopes of glory ended in farce on Tuesday when a home match against Sri Lankans Kandy was called off due to no ambulance being present pitchside.

    Sarries were forced to forfeit and Doha were crowned winners after a 29-17 triumph against Kandy at 7he Sevens last night.

    Hamilton is now looking to the new season, one in which he is targeting UAE Premiership glory for Sarries, as well as retaining their West Asia Cup title.

    “The goals are the same as what they were at the end of the season. We’re here to win the Premiership and to be Asian champions again,” Hamilton said after the Olymp victory, hooker Gio Fourie, winger Luca Mene and centre Garth van Nierkirk all among the tries.

    “Nothing changes there. We’re here to win and compete. We feel we’ve got a stronger team than we did last year and we’re looking to put some structures in place which are really going to put other teams up against it.”

    The Premiership campaign begins next Friday, with what promises to be a thrilling Abu Dhabi derby against Harlequins, the reigning Premiership champions.

    Ahead of the Zayed Sports City opener, Hamilton felt his side got a good workout against Olymp.

    “They put up a massive fight and pushed us to the end and it was good to be put under that sort of pressure,” said the Englishman.

    “It stands us in good stead and gives us a great platform moving forward.”

    Hamilton added: “We’ve got to put ourselves under as much pressure as possible. There are some really strong teams in the Premiership now and we’ve got to make sure we face up to them and that when the going gets tough we’re able to raise our game.

    “They put us under pressure and forced us to concentrate for 80 minutes. What that gives us is invaluable going forward this season.”

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