Quins favourites for Sevens but rivals all ready to pull off an upset

Matt Jones - Editor 06:22 01/12/2016
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Abu Dhabi Harlequins won three straight Dubai Sevens titles from 2014-16 and generally enjoyed success aplenty under McFarlane.

    Mike McFarlane’s men beat Doha 27-5 in the Trophy final in 2014. They fell behind against Al Ain Amblers 12 months ago but recovered to ease to a 36-14 victory to retain their title. Now they’ll be desperate to make it a hat-trick, although their opponents are just as obsessed with stopping them.

    Dubai Hurricanes will come up against Quins in the group stage alongside Doha in what captain Dave Knight has labelled the ‘group of death’.

    “If you want to win these types of tournaments you’ve got to beat the best,” he said. “We were given a bit of a lesson at Eden Park but we were missing a few players so we’re positive that we’ve got a better chance this time round.

    “It will be tough with Quins, (Jebel Ali) Dragons and (Dubai) Exiles’ Fijians but sevens sometimes comes down to a bounce of the ball.”

    It’s been a miserable 2016/17 season so far for Al Ain who, devoid of their star names, were forced to withdraw from the West Asia Premiership and UAE Premiership. However, they won the Plate at Eden Park and have always been a handful in the shortened format, and coach Niekie van Blerk is expecting them to ruffle a few feathers.

    “I think we will be very competitive,” said the South African. “Our seven starters are all good players and last week at Eden Park 7s saw us winning the Plate. We should have done better and will be ready for Dubai.”

    Having won everything but the Sevens last season, 2016/17 has been a sub-par one for Exiles. Jacques Benade’s men did reach the Eden Park final, where they were beaten by Quins, but they have been hit by a spate of injuries.

    Benade said: “Preparations were very good until Matt Richards and Matt Mills both pulled hamstrings. We will be able to clear Jerry (Kilicanasau) hopefully but he is doubtful. We are confident we still can do well and with sevens anything can happen.”

    One local side who have not particularly shone at sevens are Abu Dhabi Saracens, although its unpredictable nature excites coach Winston Cowie.

    “Sevens can turn on the flip of a coin – we will take things one game at a time, try and keep possession, and go from there,” he said.

    The last word goes to the reigning champions and coach McFarlane, who is relishing a fight.

    “The calibre of sevens has increased tremendously and as always we love a challenge,” he said. “The boys have prepared really well so we are looking forward to it.”

    Recommended