Abu Dhabi Harlequins showed the spirit of champions in last week’s last-gasp win against Dubai Exiles and Chris Jones-Griffiths believes they can use that to help them retain their UAE Premiership crown.
– #360Rugby: Can anyone stop the All Blacks in England?
– UAE: Roelof Kotze believes UAE rugby can flourish
– #360view: Back to drawing board for northern hemisphere
Having been second best for large periods last week, Barry Dwyer finished off a move that started in the shadow of their own posts as Quins snatched a 22-18 triumph.
Jones-Griffiths believes wins in their next three games before the Premiership takes a mid-season break will put them in position to retain their title.
“I’m a Manchester United fan and to win like we did last week reminded me of how they would grind out results even when they didn’t play well. We showed the spirit of champions,” said the UAE international prop.
.@Abudhabiquins and @caneseffect surge ahead in UAE Conference: http://t.co/aR7XfV3Vy6 @MattJones360 @uaerugby pic.twitter.com/wfL3y7uiU8
— Sport360° (@Sport360) October 19, 2015
“We want to go into the break in a healthy position but Canes are never easy. We have three tough games and if we can come through that it will stand us in good stead.”
Despite four straight wins, Quins have health concerns, Max Trimble and Chris Marshall injured last week, while Argentine prop Agustin Arias went down in the warm-up.
“There’s a few lads out, but we have tremendous strength in depth this season, in that sense it’s probably one of the best seasons I’ve been involved with Quins,” said Jones-Griffiths.
“With the nature of last week’s win there’s naturally a spring in our step this week.”
Injuries are also a glaring concern for Canes, who have their three first choice fly-halves – Andy Powell, Alan Foster and former Quins man Paul Beard – injured.
John Buxman, Greg Thompson, Craig Chapman and Gary Challis all return to bolster a pack, however, that went toe to toe with Sarries in last week’s 35-16 defeat.
“We need to stick to our strengths. We have a terrific back row and the front five has been brilliant,” said head coach James Ham. “We will be up against it but we are certainly going to go for it.”
