Thursday’s Abu Dhabi derby clash between Saracens and Harlequins is a season-shaping game for the hosts, according to Craig Nutt.
The Welshman, one half of the new-look coaching team at Sarries this season, believes that if the Al Ghazal side cannot beat their capital city rivals then their hopes of UAE Premiership silverware will be dead.
In a reversal of the league’s opening round of fixtures, Nutt admits Sarries will have revenge on their minds after a 24-3 defeat to Quins at Zayed Sports City a little more than a month ago.
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“If we don’t win then the league will be gone, it’s make or break,” Sarries’ joint-head coach stated bluntly. “Quins have been so consistent and if they beat us I can’t see them then going on and losing three or even two games, so we’ll have no chance. It’s a big test and it’s always a hard game, it’s a massive clash.”
After the disappointment of the opening day defeat, Nutt says Sarries will be determined to give a better account of themselves.
“We’re determined to give a better showing than last time and hopefully we will get a bit of
revenge for the last game,” he said.
“Maybe the opening game came a bit too soon for us, with the new faces and game plan, it has certainly been a learning curve the first few weeks. We are pretty pleased with results and performance over the last few weeks and we are confident that we can beat Quins.
“We’ve stepped up in recent weeks and started to find our rhythm, even the Exiles loss we threw it away and should have won.”
After a sterling performance last week, South African centre Sean Stevens is a doubt for the hosts, while two other players have visa issues, but Nutt admits there will be no excuses tomorrow night.
game previews https://t.co/KpB0MLyVqM @SaracensUAE v @Abudhabiquins @caneseffect v #Amblers @JebelAliDragons v @DubaiExiles @asiarugby
— Gulf Rugby Paper (@GulfRugbyPaper) October 28, 2015
With two more games to go until the Premiership takes a break, two more wins for Quins would see them well on their way to retaining their Premiership trophy, although Mike McFarlane is expecting a stern test from their neighbours.
“Two wins will make it difficult for the other teams to catch us and we could go into the break with one hand back on the trophy, that’s the aim,” said the Quins head coach.
“Having said that we’re expecting a tough test, Sarries have had time to gel since the opening game, but we’re thoroughly looking forward to it.”
