Exiles and Quins prepare for early showdown

Matt Jones - Editor 20:41 28/09/2016
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  • It is a mouth-watering tie.

    A fascinating rivalry sparked into life in 2015/16 as Exiles won both the West Asia Championship and UAE Premiership under new head coach Jacques Benade.

    Exiles had their noses bloodied twice in the first two fixtures, losing once in the Premiership and also in the WAC, before exacting revenge in the Premiership return at The Sevens where victory saw them put one hand on the Asia trophy.

    Despite two defeats, Exiles were crowned champions in both competitions as they returned to prominence after a decade in the wilderness.

    The two behemoths played out a fascinating 23-23 draw in the season curtain-raiser, the Asia Rugby Western Clubs Champions League earlier this month, although Quins went on to claim the overall prize by defeating Sri Lanka’s Kandy by a bigger margin.

    Although both coaches are playing down the magnitude of the clash in only the second week of the season, Quins centre William Umu is looking to uphold a proud Quins record.

    “If we play out brand of rugby for 80 minutes, we can be very dangerous. We hate losing at home and haven’t lost at home since I joined the Quins,” said the Fijian centre, who has been at the club nearly two years.

    “We are the only ones that can beat us on the day. If you look at the last game against them we gave an intercept pass and dropped the ball on the line and gave them two tries.”

    It was a mesmeric game the last time they clashed at Zayed Sports City nearly a year ago. Exiles had second row Stephen Ferguson sent off midway through the second half but led until the dying seconds when Quins went the length of the field and won the game through Barry Dwyer’s breathtaking try.

    Quins’ head coach Mike McFarlane says there will be no semblance of revenge on his mind, only progress.

    “I’d hope every player has emotions for every game, no matter who the opposition may be,” he said.

    “This game will be fueled by an intense, competitive week of training where all of the players have been fighting for a spot. In terms of the rivalry, it’s a great opportunity to have a crack at them after our twos played them a fortnight ago.

    “We are at full strength, training has been at full tilt and I can’t wait to see the boys perform. As always, all we will be concerned with is executing our game plan ensuring the highest skill level is on display. We are looking to keep improving, integrating everything we’ve been focusing on at training.”

    Counterpart Benade stressed the importance of not treating this as a do or die clash but he hopes to learn more about his team against Quins after a lackluster showing in their opener against Doha a week ago.

    “It is a big game for both teams,” said Benade. “Players are coming down every Monday and Wednesday to train and work hard to play in these types of fixtures. You want to be tested and we will be.

    “It is going to be very competitive and the players are exited about the game. It is a very long season but I think for us it is a game to see where we are at the moment.

    “We will keep working hard and if we can just step up again and make sure our performances are getting better, we are on the right path.”

    Exiles will be without their string-puller Durandt Gerber after the fly-half was ruled out until January after separating his shoulder in the Doha game, but Benade insists it is an opportunity for Matt Travers to shine.

    “Durandt is a big player for us and his ability to control the game and run the patterns will be missed,” admitted Benade.

    “He is a quality player with huge experience but we are very lucky to have recruited Matt Travers who is a very good 10. Matt is here for work experience in Dubai, currently studying at Loughborough University, which is known as a top sport/rugby university.

    “Matt played against Kandy and I was very happy with his performance. He is settling in really well and I know he is very exited about the game. It will be a great test for him but there is no pressure. It is only the second league game of the season and it will take time to make his mark and he will grow into that position.”

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