Something has to give in Abu Dhabi on Friday as the UAE Premiership’s two unbeaten sides meet at Zayed Sports City.
Abu Dhabi Harlequins, already installed as most people’s favourites to retain their Premiership title, have scored 116 points on their way to three convincing wins so far this season.
Mike McFarlane’s men have only conceded 10 points but Dubai Exiles head coach Jacques Benade says his players are looking forward to testing themselves against the best as the top two clash in the capital.
Benade is hoping his side can provide Quins with their first stern test of the season, having won each of their first three games by at least 21 points.
“Quins are maybe a bit above everyone else but it is a chance for us to lift ourselves and you always want to test yourselves against the best,” said the South African.
“We’ve been tested in every single game and I don’t think they have so that’s what we want to do. We’ll see what they can do and see if it can lift us.
“We can’t wait and we will see where we are as a team. They are definitely the favourites but I have told the boys this a team that they should really look forward to test themselves against and they will be up for it. Hopefully it will be a brilliant game.”
Benade is not sure whether full-back Charlie Sargent will feature, having returned from a triumphant outing in Sri Lanka with the UAE sevens squad, while fellow UAE international Justin Walsh is sidelined for another two weeks.
Flanker Jonny Baugh injured his knee against Saracens last week and is definitely out, with Benade sweating on the extent of the damage and awaiting the result of an MRI scan, although he is concerned Baugh could be out for the season.
Benade is hoping his men can hang tough with Quins.
“I hope our fitness will be strong. We need to stay competitive and then maybe we can sneak a win in the final 20 minutes,” said Benade.
“I am a bit worried about them after beating Sarries and Dragons quite convincingly and putting 57 points on Al Ain last week.”
McFarlane has described ZSC as a fortress and he is looking for his side to maintain their 100 per cent start to the campaign.
“I’m very much looking forward to the encounter at the weekend and two top class sides going at it,” he said.
“The boys are really starting to get into their stride and once again I, as well as the players, will be looking forward to playing our brand of rugby.
Both our first team and second team have quality in depth and have been pushing each other hard in training. Zayed Sports City is our fortress and we look forward to continuing our excellent start to the season.”
