Capital city heavyweights Abu Dhabi Harlequins and Saracens go into the final UAE Premiership game prior to the mid-season break knowing nothing but victory will do in clashes with the bottom two teams in the league.
Quins suffered their first defeat of the season last week in the Abu Dhabi derby at Al Ghazal and are now just a point ahead of second-placed Dubai Exiles, while Sarries are also breathing down the duo’s neck in third place.
Quins welcome Jebel Ali Dragons to Zayed Sports City, the hosts licking their wounds after a first loss.
“Obviously we’re very disappointed, so we can’t wait to get out on the paddock and put a shift in and play rugby we enjoy playing,” said head coach Mike McFarlane.
“It’s a weird one breaking so early as the season has just got kicking but with the 7s knocking, lads will want to finish the Premiership on a high.”
Both teams are hobbling into the mid-season break, hampered by mounting injury lists.
“Unfortunately we are still carrying a few injuries with Iziq (Foa’i) being added to that list. We are waiting on a late fitness test for Agustin Arias,” added McFarlane.
Dragons director of rugby Paul Hart said: “We now have 11 first team players out but we are looking forward to stepping up to the plate against a strong Quins team.”
Injuries and absences are also mounting for bottom side Al Ain Amblers, who travel to fortress Al Ghazal with several players injured or unavailable, although club chairman Sean Emmett does feel the men from the Garden City are improving week on week.
“The game against the Hurricanes was there for the taking with a 23-10 lead at half time,” said Emmett of last week’s eventual 48-36 defeat. “It’s definitely a brick by brick process for us and every week is a step in the right direction. We are gearing up for January 8 2016, which will be our first game after the break.”
