Harlequins aim to stay perfect against rivals Saracens

Matt Jones - Editor 03:40 06/10/2016
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  • Look out: Willie Umu (l) adds a thunderous aspect to what is already a tremendously physical fixture.

    Abu Dhabi Harlequins will look to continue their sizzling start to the season as they take on Saracens in the Abu Dhabi derby.

    Mike McFarlane’s men had to settle for second best last term as Dubai Exiles stormed to the West Asia Championship and UAE Premiership titles, and they seem determined to right that wrong judging by their early form.

    Quins beat Dubai Hurricanes 35- 13 on the opening night of the West Asia Premiership and followed that up with a scintillating performance as they beat Exiles 25-18 last week at Zayed Sports City. Now they head to Al Ghazal to take on another fierce rival in capital city neighbours Sarries on Wednesday night.

    “We are very much looking to tonight under the lights,” said McFarlane. “We’ve had a fantastic few weeks of preparation and displays and we are looking to explode into this game with forward power and electric backs to ensure we make an impression on our city rivals.”

    Irish centre Brian Geraghty is in line for a start after impressing off the bench last week against Exiles.

    “Brian is back and in such elusive form, which is great as he brings more depth and quality to an excellent squad,” added McFarlane. “He picked up an ankle injury in the summer playing Gaelic football. He’s been chomping at the bit to get back but like anyone else at the club he’s had to play in the twos and train hard to put himself back in contention for a spot.”

    Sarries counterpart Winston Cowie, meanwhile, has stoked the fires ahead of the game by goading Quins over losing 25-10 at Al Ghaz which eventually proved crucial in Exiles taking the title.

    “Playing at home, with the ‘Capital Cup’ up for grabs, Harlequins the opposition, it’s going to be a physical match with both sides going hammer and tong and we are very much looking forward to it,” said the New Zealander.

    And he stirred the pot by adding: “Harlequins seem to get nervous when they play Saracens. Luke Stevenson, normally a good kicker, missed some easy kicks last year. Let’s see what happens this year. It is going to be a cracker and our boys can’t wait.”

    Garth van Niekirk is one of a host of returning stars for Sarries, who were severely depleted last week, although captain Jaen Botes remains sidelined with a hand injury.

    Sarries were beaten 37-7 at Doha last week but prop Craig Nutt doesn’t think form counts for much in this fixture.

    “Form doesn’t come into it, we are only two games in,” said the Welshman. “Form is over lots of games not two so we will be going out there to give a good account of ourselves.”

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