Dubai Exiles flanker Matt Mills does not believe Abu Dhabi Harlequins have landed an early psychological blow ahead of the new domestic rugby season despite losing out on the Asia Rugby Western Clubs Champions League title.
Exiles, double winners in 2015/16 after capturing the West Asia Championship and UAE Premiership, beat Sri Lanka’s Kandy 29-9 on Friday night.
However, they saw fierce rivals Quins take home the Asia crown thanks to their superior 56-17 result against Kandy earlier in the week. Mills, though, knows bigger things lie ahead for both sides in 2016/17.
“It’s important not to lose focus,” said an admittedly deflated Mills after Friday’s game at The Sevens.
“No [I don’t think Quins have landed a psychological blow]. We’ll take it as it is, a win, and we’ll go into next week and especially the week after when the league starts with our heads up and ready to play some rugby.
“It’s early September. We’ve got a good squad and we’re pushing for the league. [Kandy] like to play that open expansive sevens game, chuck it about, and with the ball slippy and not getting above five phases, it’s not the type of rugby we want to play.
“As the conditions get a bit better the ball will be less slippy and we’ll open up.”
Mills did admit he and his team-mates were disappointed to lose out on adding a third trophy to last season’s haul, but is aware the biggest takeaway is additional fitness as Exiles build towards a big campaign.
“We’re unhappy to lose out on another trophy, we’ve got our heads down but a win is a win, we’ll take it,” said the Englishman, whose side face Quins again in a friendly next week ahead of the new campaign starting on September 23.
“We went in with a mixed squad. Our idea was to try some new players and give them a run-out, maybe some of the boys who didn’t play last week against Quins. We’ll work to next week, our last game before the season starts.”
