Exiles' Jacques Benade expecting improved Dragons

Matt Jones - Editor 07:42 29/10/2015
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  • Big test: Jacques Benade.

    Dubai Exiles are taking nothing for granted as they head to Jebel Ali on Friday to take on a Dragons side who have just one win in five UAE Premiership games.

    Exiles head coach Jacques Benade is expecting a tough game from Dragons and will be targeting maximum points, while he may also have one eye on the Abu Dhabi derby at Al Ghazal.

    A win there for the hosts, coupled with a fifth win from six for Exiles, would turn what had looked like a cake walk to the Premiership title for defending champions Quins into a three-horse race.

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    “I know last week was a bad result for Dragons but I’m worried about this game, I think anyone can still beat anyone,” said the South African.

    “They will be better than the team we played on the opening day and that was a very close game. 

    “We will need to take any opportunities we get. We’ve shown we can play, now we need to keep that up. 

    “We need to target two wins from the remaining two games before we sign off for the break. If not we could end up disappointed come the end of the season.”

    Benade has several injury concerns, with scrum-half Ed Armitage rated as 50/50 due to a thigh concern, while lock Ratu Leavanasiga is out with a dislocated shoulder, replaced by Renus Bothma.

    For Bruce Pendrey and his Dragons, it’s all about staying positive after a 38-7 defeat last week to Abu Dhabi Saracens.

    “Last week Sarries were on top, they will be tough for everyone to beat, but for us the theme is the same, improvement,” he said.

    “We’re working hard in training and trying to stay upbeat and we’re still enjoying our season. 

    “We’ve definitely not lost that Dragons spirit, everyone is thoroughly enjoying it and let’s see if we can get a result.”

    Dragons lost narrowly at 7he Sevens 14-5 on opening night to Exiles and Pendrey believes his team have improved since then.

    “Both teams have grown, we’ve improved since then and we’ll be looking for a win on Friday, no doubt,” he said.

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