UAE rugby previews: Positivity is the key for Dubai Hurricanes

Matt Jones - Editor 12:45 22/01/2015
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  • Nothing to lose: Dubai Hurricanes (white) were thrashed in their backyard by Doha last week.

    – Former Abu Dhabi Harlequins star plots his comeback

    ABU DHABI SARACENS V DUBAI HURRICANES

    Ross Mills says there is no need for the Dubai Hurricanes to “press the panic button” and wants his team to enjoy their trip to take on in-form Abu Dhabi Saracens this weekend.

    Mills’ men travel to the capital on the back of a 41-5 thrashing at home last week to Doha, who are making everyone in the Gulf Top 6 sit up and take notice.

    Despite that humbling defeat, in conjunction with some indifferent form and results since the end of the UAE Premiership campaign, Mills says there is no pressure on his side ahead of their trip to take on the Al Ghazal juggernaut.

    “We didn’t show up last weekend against Doha. But it’s easy to get bogged down in the negatives,” the Hurricanes head coach said.

    “I want to bring the enjoyment back and the players need to remember what we’ve done this season.

    “We won the Premiership, got to the final and the semi-finals of the Dubai Sevens. So I don’t see why people look at us in such negative terms.

    “I want to win and I hate losing but in order to get back to the level we were playing at, at the end of the Premiership season, we have got to start enjoying ourselves again.”

    With defeat to Doha followed up with a trip to red-hot Sarries, many would forgive Mills and Canes for feeling a certain amount of trepidation, but the Englishman insists he’s looking forward to the duel.

    “Sarries are on a roll and playing very well, but we don’t have anything to lose. We’re under no pressure because no one expects us to go there and get a result.”

    Andy Powell, who suffered a dislocated shoulder last week, will in all likelihood not feature again until the return trip to Doha, while Kit Branch and Andy Longley are unavailable due to work commitments.

    Sarries’ coach Ali Thompson was delighted by his team’s 10-6 win over Abu Dhabi Harlequins last week – their first ever victory over their capital city neighbours – but reiterated the desire for his club to focus on winning trophies rather than Abu Dhabi bragging rights.

    Scotsman Thompson said: “It’s game three and yet another opportunity to build on our performances from the previous two matches.”
    Thompson is impressed with his side’s newfound love for self-improvement and team development as opposed to petty rivalry.

    “There were mixed emotions in the changing room last weekend with a number of the players unhappy with their individual or the team’s performance,” added Thompson. 

    “As a coach, such a desire to improve pleases me.”

    Thompson was giving nothing away in relation to team selection ahead of Canes’ visit.

    “Nothing is confirmed regarding selection, although we do have some concerns after last weekend.”

    ABU DHABI HARLEQUINS V JEBEL ALI DRAGONS

    Dragons have a slight psychological edge over Quins

    For the past few seasons they’ve been contesting finals for the top trophies in UAE rugby.

    But both Abu Dhabi Harlequins and Jebel Ali Dragons come into Friday’s game in slightly peculiar positions.

    Quins have already won the Sport360° UAE Premiership and Gulf Men’s League at the Dubai Sevens this season, but have lost their opening two Gulf Top 6 fixtures.

    Dragons, meanwhile, are in a bit of a downward spiral, having been deposed as Premiership and Sevens champions by Quins, while they needed a surge inside the final few minutes against Bahrain last week to salvage a first GT6 win.

    Quins lost their opening two Premiership fixtures before winning three in a row, so they will not be unduly concerned by losing two GT6 games with eight still left.

    Player/coach Jeremy Manning says he has four players who have picked up injuries.

    “We have injuries from a broken finger to ligament damage to ankles, but as a club we’re looking forward to the challenge of Jebel Ali Dragons this Friday,” he said.

    “They will be tough as they had a good win last weekend and it’s always a great battle between the two clubs.”

    Captain Phil Abraham called Friday’s clash at Zayed Sports City a “must win” game for Quins after they followed a 50-10 thrashing to Doha with a first ever loss to city rivals Saracens.

    “We’re definitely excited for this game. It was a tough, physical battle last week and we are looking to build off of that. It’s a must win.”

    Dragons’ player/coach Murray Strang says his team has been buoyed by their win over Bahrain last week, even if it was a little unconvincing.

    “We’re raring to go. Training this week has been upbeat after getting back to winnings ways.”

    DOHA V BAHRAIN

    Doha eye third win on the bounce

    Doha will be confident of making it three wins from three when they welcome Bahrain to Qatar on Friday.

    Aaron Palmer’s side have started the Gulf Top 6 on fire with two huge wins against Abu Dhabi Harlequins and Dubai Hurricanes.

    They put a total of 91 points on two of the UAE’s strongest teams and they will now be expected to add considerably to their points tally against a Bahrain side they beat comfortably home and away in their pre-Christmas tournament of the Gulf Premiership.

    Palmer does not expect to make any changes for the visit of their Gulf neighbours.

    “We will put out the same team as last week,” he said.

    “We know it will be a totally different game to when we faced them in the first round, but we are looking forward to keeping the momentum going this week.”

    Bahrain press officer Tom Hanratty says Doha is no easy place to go at the best of times.

    Bahrain have, however, put up decent fights against both Dubai Hurricanes and Jebel Ali Dragons in their first two game, enjoying leads before eventually being beaten.

    “There’s no denying that the lads are hurting after the opening two rounds,” said Hanratty. 

    “Doha is always a difficult place to travel and they are on the crest of a wave now following their impressive opening victories, so we are under no illusions as to the task at hand,” added Hanratty.

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