The UAE will play for a chance to earn promotion to the Asia Rugby Under 19 Championship after they put in a superb second-half showing to defeat Singapore 14-10.
Apollo Perelini’s men were 10-0 behind at the interval at the Southern Plains Stadium in Manila Wednesday but rallied in the second half to score two tries and keep the side relegated from the ARC last season at bay.
The win means the UAE will now play South Korea in Saturday’s final with the winner earning promotion from Division I for 2017.
Finding themselves trailing at the break, the UAE got back in the contest with centre Rory Arthur, from Dubai English Speaking College, and Dubai Exiles winger Jerry Kilicanasau crossing to silence the Singaporeans.
DESC fly-half Max Johnson converted both scores to seal a superb turnaround for Perelini’s talented but inexperienced young side.
UAE vice captain Xander Crockart was delighted with victory.
“It was a very physical against the Singaporean boys, but our ability to shut their attack down was crucial,” said the Exiles flanker.
“We put ourselves under pressure giving too many penalties away allowing them to creep into our half and we were 10-0 down at the break. But the boys showed promise in attack, breaking the line multiple times with excellent support lines.
“All in all was a great contest that I think we needed, and it gave us a feel for the professional stage.”
The result was particularly impressive giving the fact this is the first time a UAE U-19s team has competed internationally – although they will get another chance on Saturday against tournament favourites Korea.
Crockart though feels their manner of victory will spur them on.
“It seemed the odds were against us, but we kept calm and stuck to our game plan, allowing us to keep control of the game,” added the 18-year-old.
“I was particularly impressed with out front row, as it was the first time we even scrummed against another team.”
In yesterday’s earlier game, Korea overcame tournament hosts the Philippines with a 26-10 victory. Kim Kim-in, Lee Hyun-su, Yu In-sik and Chae Min-seong crossed for Korea’s tries with Ryan Santos scoring a try, conversion and penalty for the hosts.
