New Dubai Hurricanes coach Mike Wernham is wary of traveling to face an in-form Bahrain on Friday but is hoping his side can build on plenty of positives from a narrow defeat to table-topping Abu Dhabi Harlequins last week.
Canes suffered a fifth defeat in seven West Asia Premiership matches at Zayed Sports City last week, but new man Wernham was pleased with what he saw from his new-look side in a 24-19 defeat.
“We’re really excited,” he said.
“We’ve had a good week of training. It will be a huge task, we’re under no illusions what’s coming our way from Bahrain. We know their result last week will give them confidence. Following on from our own result we’re looking for the next step forward.
“We’ve been focusing on counter attack, hoping to give us go forward ball in order to hit Bahrain hard.
“It’s always tough going away so the biggest focus is getting our mindset right before kick-off. If we have that and get the structures right we’re hoping to going to Bahrain and getting a result.”
After his 13 men held on for a thrilling 22-19 triumph at Jebel Ali Dragons last week, Bahrain coach Louie Tonkin is hoping his side can improve again.
“Hopefully we can take periods of good play last week against Dragons and make them longer this week and hopefully maintain our status,” said Tonkin, who is delighted that the visit of Canes sparks a sequence of four straight home games that he hopes his side can use to continue their momentum.
“It’s great to have a home game, the first of four in a row. We’ve been looking forward to this all season as we’ve played five away from seven so far, so we’re delighted to have a home game.
“We narrowly beat Canes away and they were under strength a bit that day so we’ve heard. They’re vastly improved and they will be strong, the Quins result shows that.
