Al Ain Amblers head coach Andrew Rouvi knows his men have to curb their indiscipline if they are to survive in the UAE Premiership.
– UAE: Canes favourites for Dubai derby against Exiles
– #360Rugby: England lack leadership, welcome back SA
– #360Stats: Sonny Bill the star of the social RWC
Amblers had four players sinbinned on their return to the Premiership after a four-year absence last week as an initially promising 50 minutes against Dubai Hurricanes saw them slip from 7-7 and 14-14 to a 32-14 defeat.
Amblers’ pre-season warm-up against Dubai Exiles at their own pre-season tournament was abandoned with minutes remaining last month after a brawl broke out and a player from each side was sent off.
New Zealander Rouvi believes eagerness may have been to blame for his players’ transgressions against Canes last week although he admits ill-discipline is a concern.
“I was encouraged by some aspects last week but there’s lots of room for improvement,” said Rouvi.
“We were down to 13 guys at one stage, which let us down. Four yellow cards is a concern in one game and we know we shouldn’t be doing certain things. We are back in the big time and perhaps we were too eager.
“We don’t dwell on it though, we move on and I was happy with what I saw.” Abu Dhabi Saracens head to the Garden City this weekend and Rouvi admits Amblers first Premiership game at their Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club ground will be special.
“It’s a big occasion for us and a big challenge after the season Sarries had last year. It’s the first Premiership game we’ve staged in a few years so it will be pretty special.”
Sarries captain Jaen Botes said he and his team-mates are hurting after their defeat to capital city rivals Harlequins last week and are looking to bounce back in Al Ain, although he insists the West Asia Cup champions won’t be taking their hosts lightly.
Great training session tonight.Guys are looking forward 2 Friday’s clash away 2 Al Ain Amblers #Wolfpack#Devere#Spinneys#Pure#Letdgamesbegin
— Gameday (@ADSaracens) September 28, 2015
“It’s just the start of the season and it’s a very long season but we know we have got to put our heads down and work harder after last week,” said the big South African No8. “It was a tough game but we took the positives out of it and have worked this week to implement changes on the negatives.”
Sarries’ success last season was built on the strength of their formidable pack and UAE international Botes is expecting a test from a combative Al Ain.
“We expect a tough physical game from their Fijian boys and we won’t underestimate them. We go there with confidence but know they are not a team to be messed with,” he said. “The focus is on us though and we need to rediscover the form we showed at the end of last season.”
