Dragons confident heading into big clash with Saracens

Matt Jones - Editor 09:51 22/10/2015
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  • Tough opponents: Saracens.

    Jebel Ali Dragons head to Abu Dhabi on Friday in high spirits following their first win of the season against Al Ain Amblers last week.

    Dragons’ 2015-16 season finally sparked into life with a sparkling 46-15 win against the men from the Garden City and they will head to the capital in confident mood.

    They will be heading to a Saracens side who also won last week against Dubai Hurricanes, although the hosts are still smarting from their 6-5 loss to Dubai Exiles two weeks ago at Al Ghazal – the first time in more than a year they had lost a home game.

    The home side have won two and lost two in their four Premiership games this season but the defending West Asia champions feel they are finally beginning to hit some form after they came from behind to earn a bonus-point win against Canes last week.

    “It was a hugely positive week last week and we feel we have turned a corner, and we are looking forward to another chance to build and progress,” said Sarries joint head coach Stephen Hamilton.

    “We are keen to make Al Ghazal the fortress it has been in the past.”

    Sarries will be buoyed by the fact they have no new injury concerns and they are further strengthened by the fact they will welcome talismanic skipper Jaen Botes back into the squad after he missed last week’s win against Canes.

    Dragons, on the other hand, have a host of absentees, 10 in total, including half-back pairing Andy Russell and Murray Strang, who is yet to feature this season, while they will also be without forwards Richie Leyden, Adam Telford and Nick Taylor.

    “We still have around 10 players out with injuries but I gather this is the same for most teams,” said director of rugby, Paul Hart.

    “Despite being without key players we have been improving week on week this season and we believe we can keep this pattern going and be competitive against Saracens on their home patch.

    “We know Sarries are going to be clear favourites for this game but I am expecting a great game and let’s see what we can do.”

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